Paul Thomas

(From Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home)

Paul “Red” Richard Thomas, 97, of Purdy, Missouri was called to his Heavenly home to be with his wife on Saturday April 6, 2024 while at the Missouri Veteran’s Home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri. 

He was born at the family home in Verona, Missouri on April 28, 1926; the son of the late Daniel Webster and Reta (Inmon) Thomas. 

He was united in marriage to the love of his life Juanita Swadley in Butterfield, Missouri on March 22, 1947; she preceded him in death on March 13, 2013. To this union three children were born Jim, Pauletta, and Patti.

He lived his whole life in Purdy, Missouri. He had to leave school when he in the 8th grade to work on the family farm after his father has passed away. He was 18 years old when he joined the United States Army and was stationed in Belfore, Virginia before going to California and then Osaka, Japan. When he returned from his service her married the love of his life Juanita and started his family.

He was also a well-known musician in the area for over 60 years. During 1941-1942 he started playing with Paul McNabb, Ermol Stephens, Hollis Harper, Gerald Preddy, Loren Henbest and Jess Chapel. In 1950 and 1952 he played at KRMO Radio Station with James Elliot, Jim Witt, and Charlie Velton. 

From 1963-1965 he played at Hillbilly Land USA for Jack Johnson, after that from 1968-1969 he played with Homer, Delores, Randy and Sandy Davis. He also had the opportunity in his life to play with Al and Tom Brumley and Clarence Pippin. 

He spent many years playing at the Stella Senior Center with Phil Greer, Charlie Brattin, J.R. and Jean Haddock, Harold Jenkins and Bob Vaught. He was fortunate enough to see many country music stars in his lifetime. He was retired from Justin Boots in Cassville and attended Chapel of Grace Church in Monett.

Paul is survived by his three children: Jim Thomas and wife Ruthie of Cassville, Missouri, Pauletta Lowe of Cassville, Missouri and Patti Brooks of Rocky Comfort, Missouri; seven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Webster and Reta; wife Juanita; three brothers, one sister, one nephew and one son-in-law.

 

Visitation for Paul is being held Thursday April 11, 2024 from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett, Missouri. Funeral services are being held on Friday April 12, 2024 at 2:00p.m. at the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett, Missouri with Steve Spillman officiating. Burial next to his wife Juanita will follow services at the Purdy Cemetery in Purdy, Missouri.

Memorial donations for Paul may be made to the Missouri Veteran’s Home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett, Missouri.