Royce Wendell Thomas Obituary (1940 - 2021)

Royce Wendell Thomas, 80, of Richmond, Texas, passed away on February 9, 2021 after a long fought battle with Parkinson's disease. Royce was born on September 6, 1940 in Dewey County, Oklahoma to Roy and Hazel Thomas. He is preceded in death by both of his parents and two sisters, Carol Sue Rimmer and Emma Lenora (Ken) Smith along with his father and mother in law Dudley and Mary Parrish and brother in law Brian (Linda} Parrish . Royce is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara Parrish Thomas, sister Joyce Elaine Beal, brother in law Dudley (Dorothy} Parrish, two children Royce 'Scooter' Thomas Jr and daughter Dawn (Roy} Rodriguez, and 5 grandchildren, Jonathan Thomas, Roy Rodriguez Jr, Barbara (Joshua) Kaluza, Theresa Rodriguez and Mario Rodriguez. He is also survived by two beloved great granddaughters, Brooklyn and Brie Kaluza, along with numerous nieces, nephews, countless friends and co-workers. As a young man he was raised in the Galveston County where he met and settled with his wife Barbara and started a family. Royce was a Texas Iron Worker for Local #135 in Texas City Texas. When he wasn't working he loved restoring old vehicles, hunting and fishing. After relocating to Somerville, Texas he worked for and retired from College Station ISD. Six years ago he relocated to Richmond Texas to be closer to family. He was an active member at River Pointe Church where he volunteered with the children's department and then media department where he enjoyed serving as a camera operator. Royce was a Mason in good standing with Lee Scott Lodge No. 793 and Order of the Eastern Star No. 245 both of Somerville, Texas. Royce decided to donate his body to science to help with medical research. A celebration of life will be held on March 13, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at River Pointe Church 21000 Southwest Freeway, Richmond, TX 77469. Service will be live streamed on YouTube.