Rickey Lind Thomas

Rickey Lind Thomas, affectionately known as Rick, passed away peacefully at his home in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 5, 2026, at the age of 75. A lifelong resident of the Kansas City area, he attended Center Schools before serving in the US Army during the Vietnam era. Rick built a long and respected career in aviation, beginning as an airplane mechanic with TWA and later with American Airlines, where he dedicated more than 30 years of service. He remained actively involved with the Airline Mechanics Union, holding various positions and serving on the safety committee.

Rick will be remembered for his friendly nature and enduring sense of humor. He found great pleasure in playing golf, fishing on sunny days at the lake, and cooking for his family. Above all, he cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren, sharing in the activities he loved most.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willis Hoover Thomas and Donald William Thomas, Sr., his sister Linda Harrison, and his brother Donald Thomas, Jr. Rick is survived by his daughters, Marie Ferris and her husband Rollie of Delton, Michigan, and Lindsay Wirt and her husband Brian of Hahira, Georgia; his son, Preston Thomas of Kansas City, Missouri; his grandchildren, Faith Carpenter, Tyden Ferris, Caden Ferris, Stanton Wirt, and Sterling Wirt; his four and a half great-grandchildren; his sister, Pat Thomas of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; and his life partner, Terry Flora Norris, who will miss him deeply.