Steve E. Thomas

Steve E. Thomas of rural Lathrop, MO, passed away Saturday, April 27, 2019, at the age of 69.

Steve was born to parents Harvey and Helen (Kearney) Thomas on March 13, 1950, in Independence, Missouri.   He grew up one of six siblings and attended Lathrop High School, where he was active in FFA. Steve went on to study agriculture at the University of Missouri, Columbia, where he met Elana Peck. They were married in June, 1971, and had two children. In 1978, the family settled on their farm near Lathrop where Steve ran a Grade A dairy until 1992.   In addition to farming, he also became a Journeyman Machinist at Armco Steel and worked as a machinist at General Motors, retiring in 2004.

Steve enjoyed coordinating the class reunions for Lathrop High School Class of 1968. He loved farming, taking pride in the quality of his herd of Holstein dairy cows, and in later years his beef cattle. Steve enjoyed sharing his love of the land and his knowledge of agriculture with family, friends and neighbors.

Steve is survived by his wife, Elana; two daughters, Melissa Keller and Stephanie Thomas; three grandchildren, Thomas, Clara and Ethan Keller; brothers, Harvey, James and Michael Thomas. Along with his parents, Steve is preceded in death by brother, Dewey “Dude” Thomas and sister, Dianna Thomas.

Steve chose cremation and his ashes will be scattered over the farm by his immediate family. There are no plans for a public memorial at this time. The family is grateful for condolences and encourages any memorial donations (in lieu of flowers) to be sent to the Lathrop FFA.

Steve chose cremation and his ashes will be scattered over the farm by his immediate family. There are no plans for a public memorial at this time. The family is grateful for condolences and encourages any memorial donations (in lieu of flowers) to be sent to the Lathrop FFA.