Richard Dale Thomas, 71, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 18, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 19, 1953, in Fremont, MI, to Donald and Lola Thomas.

Richard was raised in Bitely, and after high school enlisted in the Army.  A true lover of the forest and a skilled tree worker, he found joy and purpose working outdoors his entire life. In his later years he enjoyed working alongside his cousin and good friend, Teddy Wilkinson.

Richard was known for his quick wit and jokes, including asking Maynard for a hug and then telling him "Get off of me". Uncle Richie shared his wisdom with his great-nephews and nieces, giving them life lessons; he lovingly engaged and had a way of simplifying those lessons and tailoring them to each one. He made each person in his family feel special with his nicknames and how he talked about them, focusing on their positive attributes. He will be dearly missed.

Richard is survived by: his sisters, Linda "Lin" (Robert) Collins, of Hesperia, MI, Debra "Pebbles" Fincannon of Hardy, AR, and Donna (Mark) Boone, Zephyrhills, FL, three nephews that he called sons, Kevin "Bomber" Rosencrans of Bitely, MI, Chris (Jaime) Gould of Cherokee Village AR, and Michael "Maynard" (Kimberly) Rosencrans of Hesperia, MI; nieces, Amanda (Dan) Welte of Parrish, FL, Christina (Sheldon) Smith of State Department Nigeria, and Jeff (Katherine) Gleason of St. Joseph, MI; along with numerous great-nephews and nieces.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Sunday, June 1, 2025, at the Bitely Boys Riders Club, 10722 North Bingham Avenue, Bitely, MI 49309.

Leave your sadness at the door and join us as we celebrate the life of Richard Thomas. Beverages and light hors d'oeuvres will be served. We invite you to bring a photograph of Richard and write a small note on the back for our memory wall.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Hesperia Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com