Harry Thomas

(From Carlson and Kirby-Morris Funeral Home)

We are sad to announce Harry A Thomas, 82, drifted off this earthly realm against his wishes, July 30, 2025, at his home. There was more fun to be had. Harry was born January 1st in Springfield, IL, the son of Harry and Thelma Thomas. Being the New Year's Baby proved he was special. A mischievous student, he was surprised that only 2 teachers took early retirement after he was in their class. 

After high school, Harry joined the Navy, as he wasn't sure what to do next and figured Uncle Sam could pay him while he decided. Being trapped on a warship helped clarify for him that he would like to follow in his cousin's footsteps and become a chiropractor. 

Harry spent more than 53 years as a practicing chiropractor, including 35 years in El Dorado, KS, and another 10 in Wichita, KS. Harry was passionate about a healthy lifestyle and specialized in applied kinesiology and nutrition. He spent his life helping others relieve pain and improve their quality of life holistically. He was still attending training for new techniques even after he retired. 

After spending his life helping others, he found it challenging when the tables turned and he was the one who needed help. In his 30s, he enjoyed exploring his creative side with art and has many paintings in his home that he created during that time. 

A man of many talents, the only two sports that Harry didn't partake in were football and snow skiing, as he was too smart for those two. Hunting, fishing, long-distance bike riding, and golf were favorites, and he lived on a golf course for the last 12 years of his life, honing his golf stroke. He achieved his dream of a hole on February 27th, 2022. 

Harry enjoyed the last 14 years of his life with his wife, Shirley Thomas. He appreciated the fun and travels they had during their relationship and how she lovingly cared for and comforted him during his surprising diagnosis of Linitis Plastica (a rare, aggressive form of stomach cancer). True to form, he was given 3 months to live and eked out 8 months. He was a lucky man who had a full life. 

He is survived by his children, Darren of Ark City, KS, Karla Thomas-Carter (Greg) of Webb City, MO, Warren (Afton) of Des Moines, IA and Sean (Mindy) of North Liberty, Iowa, his 3 stepdaughters Valerie (Michael), Kimberly (Chris) and Natalie (Brian), 9 grandchildren and 1 step great grandchild. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and stepson, Ron. 

Viewing will be Friday, August 8th, from 5 pm to 7 pm at Carlson & Kirby Morris funeral home, 200 S. Star, El Dorado, KS, 67042. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, August 9th, at 10:00 am, at The First Christian Church, 300 W. Central, El Dorado. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Christian Church of El Dorado, in care of Carlson & Kirby-Morris Funeral Home, 224 W Ash, El Dorado, KS 67042.