James E. Thomas - DeSoto, Mo.

James E. Thomas, 69, of DeSoto, Mo., died Sept. 4, 2003 at Jefferson Memorial Hospital in Crystal City, Mo. He was born April. 4, 1934, in Leachville, the son of Asa C. and Hazel Selby Thomas. He was a retired teacher of DeSoto Public Schools. He as a graduate of Arkansas State University. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of DeSoto, Mo. He served as past president of DeSoto Library Board.

He married Nina Drury on Aug. 25, 1963 in Jonesboro.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, James and Wendy Thomas of DeSoto, Mo.; two daughters and sons-in-law, Vicki and Joe Ambrose of St. Charles, Mo., and Susan and Anthony Williamson of Festus, Mo.; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Asa and Virginia Thomas of Phoenix, Ariz., and Harold and Carline Thomas of Little Rock; two sisters, Lucy Bell of Alton, Ill., and Anna Thomas of Phoenix, Ariz.; and grandchildren, Clayton and Blake Ambrose and Calvin Thomas.

The funeral was held at 10 a.m. Monday at Dietrich-Mothershead Chapel with Rev. Jeremy Muniz officiating. Burial was in Peaceful ridge Cemetery in DeSoto, Mo.

The family requests anyone wishing to leave a lasting memorial consider the First Baptist Church, 400 Boyd Street, DeSoto, Mo. 63029.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home at 220 North Main Street, DeSoto, Mo. 63020.