Frankie Thomas, age 81, passed away Saturday, January 9th, 2021 at his home in Bedford, TX. He was born January 4th, 1940 in Garden City, KS; the son of Carl and Ina (Gilmore) Thomas. Frankie married the love of his life, Marilyn Reimer, on November 12th, 1960. She died on March 3rd, 2007. Frankie grew up in Cimarron, KS, where he graduated from Cimarron High School. After High School, he served in the US Army in Texas and in Korea. After his honorable discharge, Frankie attended Dodge City Community College and Wichita State University.
He owned and worked at several businesses including a Mobil fuel station, Buffalo Industry, Agri-Part Center, and Frankie’s golf carts. Frankie was passionate about so many things, family, business, and enjoying life! A devoted husband and Father who worked hard to support his family; Frankie was very friendly and generous, and he never met a stranger. He enjoyed working out at GCCC super circuit. He was an avid golfer, entrepreneur, and he loved playing cards, and dancing wherever and whenever possible. He was a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church in Garden City, where he volunteered as an usher. He joined St. Michael Catholic Church when he moved to Bedford, TX in 2016. He was a member of several organizations including the Knights of Columbus, The Eagles, VFW, American Legion, and in the American Foundrymen’s Society.
Frankie is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marilyn, brothers Charles, Darrel, and Junior; and sisters Virginia Korf-Melton, and Pat Culver.
Frankie is survived by his daughter Tina Tillemans and husband Derek of Bedford, TX, his son Brock Thomas and wife Audrey of Kearney NE, his companion, Tina Walker of Bedford, TX, his brother Art Thomas and wife Mary Lou of Las Vegas, NV, his Brother-in-law, Don Reimer and wife Connie of Wichita, his Sister-in-law Jeanette Wehkamp and husband Leo of Flower Mound TX, 10 Grandchildren, and 4 Great Grandchildren.
A Rosary will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 18, 2021 at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Garden City. Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. also at St. Dominic’s with Rev. Warren Stecklein as Celebrant. The Funeral Mass may also be viewed on Facebook Live on the Garnand Funeral Home Facebook page. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City with Military graveside rites conducted by the Kansas Army National Guard Honor Guard. Friends may call from Noon to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City. The family suggests memorials to St. Dominic’s or Emmaus House, both in care of the funeral home.