Lela Mae Thomas

Lela Mae Thomas, 81, was born April 19, 1935, near Osceola to Fred and Wilma Murphey. She passed away March 9, 2017. in Kansas City,

Lela’s early life was spent in Osceola and she attended school there. On Nov. 14, 1952, she was united in marriage to Harlin Thomas. They moved to Kansas City where they raised two sons, Ray and Jerry.

She worked at Minute Circle, a boys and girls club for many years as a secretary and bookkeeper. After Harlin retired they bought a farm west and south of El Dorado Springs where they moved in 1980.

Lela started a tax and bookkeeping service and later an office supply store.

Lela and Harlin were a great couple and enjoyed going to street dances, casinos and being members of the Eagles.

Harlin preceded her in death on Feb. 7, 2009; and her youngest son, Jerry, on July 19, 2008.

Lela continued being active in the Eagles after Harlin’s death and especially enjoyed being with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her son, Ray, and wife, Debby; one grandson, Nathan, and wife, Trish; her granddaughter, Dawn; three great-grandsons – Austin, Dustin and Trenton; two great granddaughters Hailey and Tiffany; one great-great -grandson Colton; two sisters, Patty Sammons and Doris Murphey; other relatives and many, many friends.

Lela will be dearly missed but always cherished in our memories and hearts.

Services were held Monday, March 13, in Sheldon Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs, with Randy Sheldon as eulogist. The Ladies Auxiliary gave an Eagles Tribute.

Music was “The Great Speckled Bird,” “The Snow White Dove,” “I’ll See You Again,” “Life’s Railway To Heaven” and “You’ll Be There.”

Casketbearers were Dustin Hawkins, Garry Thomas, Trenton Latta, Justin Thomas, Doug Buckner and Kayla Hooten

Honorary casketbearers were Nathan Thomas, Austin Thomas and Dawn Scott

Interment was in Kidd’s Chapel Cemetery, Osceola, under direction of Sheldon Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs. www.sheldonfh.com.