Thomas, Patrick H. 1944-2025 St. Joseph, Mo.
Patrick Howard Thomas, aka “Bub”, aka “The Old Man”, passed away peacefully in his home on Feb. 11, 2025. He held his wife Susie’s hand as he drifted up to heaven. He was 81 years old. Pat was born on Jan. 3, 1944, to Charlotte and Howard Thomas in Maryville, Missouri. He was the youngest of their four kids. His close family and love for his brother and sisters laid the foundation for what would become a colorful life, lived on his terms. At age 14, he went to Maur Hill Catholic boarding school in Atchison, Kansas, where he excelled in athletics. He was well known for his prowess on the handball courts where he usually dominated in “priest officiated” fist fights.
After high school, he attended Northeast Missouri State University, in Kirksville, Missouri, until he left school to work full time as a bricklayer for his father’s construction company, Thomas Construction. It was these early days in the field alongside his father, whom he adored, that sparked his passion for the construction industry, a passion that would last a lifetime.
Pat’s construction career lasted five decades and three companies. In 1969, after the passing of his father, Howard, Pat and his brother, Jim, ran Thomas Construction for a few more years before winding it down in the early 70s. Shortly thereafter, Pat bought a struggling construction company based in Galesburg, Illinois, and for the better part of 15 years turned Galesburg Construction into a successful company specializing in hard bid contracts building schools, hospitals, and prisons across the midwest. Pat spent the last part of his career as a construction executive, most notably with MW Builders where he provided 17 years of loyal service. As impressive as his projects were, it was the relationships he built with the guys in the field that he truly cherished. Larry Tatman, Rodger Gardner, and Johnny McGrath stories will forever be a part of Thomas family folklore.
On Aug. 3, 1974, Pat married the love of his life, Susie. This was the beginning of a loving partnership that lasted 50 years; eight kids; four states; five homes; and, at a minimum, three great dogs. They raised their kids in beautiful homes and the loving atmosphere within was the gathering place for what seemed like the whole town, wherever that was. Every weekend included steaks, burgers, brats and hotdogs by the pool. Friends and family were always welcomed and Pat greeted them all with love, laughter, and acceptance. His home was his sanctuary and where he spent most of his time outside of work. He loved to be home surrounded by his people.
While Pat’s professional achievements were numerous, he considered his greatest legacy to be his children and grandchildren. He took immense pride in watching his family make their mark on the world. Pat never played favorites – he celebrated each of their unique paths and accomplishments with the same boundless enthusiasm and love.
Pat wore khakis, oxford cloths, and Redwing work boots. He was not a materialistic man but he did love Lincoln Town Cars. In good times, he drove a Town Car. Bub was deeply proud of his Irish Catholic heritage and his love for the Church was something he shared with his kids and grandkids. He faced each triumph and challenge with unwavering determination and left behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unshakeable family bonds. He will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and all-around cool guy.
Pat was preceded in death by his parents; children, Clay Wesley Thomas and Kelley Kathleen Thomas; grandson, Sam Thomas; siblings, Kathryn and Bill Grace, James Thomas, Sydney Thomas; son-in-law, Craig Everly.
Survivors include his wife, Susan Alford Thomas; children, Traci Anderson, Laura Nelson (Tommy), Stephanie Everly (Scott), Patrick Andrew Thomas (Rebekah), Kathryn Allison Granger (Charles), and Douglas Alford Thomas (Katie); grandchildren, Joseph Thomas, Ridge Nelson, Jake Thomas, Kit (Nelson) Pittrich, Katie (Thomas) Parker, Jane Everly, Liz Everly, Sara Thomas, Cassidy Thomas, Kyle Thomas, Susie Watson, Charlie Thomas, Calvin Watson, Gigi Thomas, Annie Thomas, Mac Thomas and Hank Watson.
Private Farewell Graveside Services and Inurnment, Mount Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Noyes Home for Children.
Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
