Terry P. Thomas, age 64 of Clinton, Missouri passed away Sunday, July 19, 2009 at his home. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 23, 2009 at Vansant-Mill Chapel with burial in the Clinton Memory Garden Cemetery, Clinton. Family will receive friend from 7:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at the Chapel. The family suggests memorials to Twin Lakes Hospice or Clinton Elks Lodge and may be left in the care of the funeral home. Fond memories may be left online at www.vansatmillsfuneralhome.com. Terry was born in Beech Grove, Indiana to Thaddeus Pennington and Rubie Marie (Wetzel) Thomas. His family lived in Kansas City and Braymer before settling in Independence, Missouri and opened Thomas Antiques. He graduated from William Chrisman High School, Independence, Missouri in 1963. He then attended three years of college before enlisting in the United States Navey serving on the USS Chevalier during the Vietnam War. Unto returning from the Navy he completed his bachelor degree in English and Special Education. He began his teaching career in 1971 as a Special Education teacher at Sherwood High School in Creighton, Missouri. He continued attending CMSU and earned his Specialist and Master's degree in High School Administration and was promoted to Assistant Principal, then Principal at Sherwood and served in that capaciaty for seven years. He retired in 2003 from the Clinton School District having taught College Prep English for many years. Terry was an avid fisherman, he was a past member of the Truman Bassmaster's Club and former fishing guide on Truman Lake. He was also a member of the Clinton Elks Lodge and the Clinton Retired Teacher's Association. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Kent. He is survived by his children, Adam of Kansas City, Missouri, Tara of Miami Beach, Florida and their mother, Liz Thomas of Clinton; one niece, Penny Spear of Blue Springs, Missouri; one great nephew Jordan Abbiatti of Blue Springs, Missouri; his sister-in-law, Doris Vigliaturo; and his fiance, Linda Ryan.
Richard Fluhrer