Richard Thomas

Memorial Services for Richard Thomas, 67, a lifelong resident of Matador, will be held at the First Baptist Church in Matador on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Leon Radford officiating. Mr. Thomas passed from this life on Saturday, October 18, 2025 in Matador. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the First Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Zapata Funeral Home of Matador.

Richard was born on February 6, 1958 in Matador to Richard Clayton Thomas and Julie Mae (Martin) Thomas. He graduated from Motley County High School in 1977. He married Darlene Keele on July 1, 1978. From this union they had two children; Misty and Todd. Richard worked at the gravel pit for 18 years and for Motley County as a maintainer operator for 25 years until he retired. 

Richard’s personality was larger than life. He loved to give people a hard time. He was ornery and quite the jokester. His favorite pastimes were roping, coffee time at Billie Dean’s and spending time with his grandchildren. Richard had a heart of gold. He loved his family and his community. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him. 

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife; Darlene Thomas of Matador, his children; Misty Cooper and husband Johnny of Hale Center, Todd Thomas of Wellington, and his grandchildren; Clayton, Ashlyn and Serena Cooper, and Ellie and Dixie Thomas.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Richard Clayton and Julie Mae Thomas and his brother Ray Thomas.