Durwood “Dur” Thomas, 82

Durwood “Dur” Thomas, 82, of Liberty, MO, formerly of Hampton, passed away January 26, 2020. A graveside service will be 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at the Hampton Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sietsema-Atkinson Funeral Home in Hampton.

Dur was born March 27, 1937 in Hampton, Iowa to Roy “Army” and Bernice Thomas. He graduated from Hampton High School and Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. Dur enlisted in the Navy and was honorably discharged after serving 4 years on the Destroyer USS Braine. He married the love of his life, Karen Lee Rost on December 22, 1958 in Hampton, Iowa and recently celebrated their 61st anniversary. Dur worked in sales and management in the Steel industry for many years. The family lived in several areas throughout the US before settling in Liberty in 1981. Dur had an extremely loving and caring family surrounding him during this transition. Dur had MS for over 35 years. His mantra was "I have MS but MS doesn't have me." He was truly an inspiration to anyone he met. He always had a smile on his face, a song in his heart, and a quick wit. He loved making people laugh. His bright blue eyes, big smile and great sense of humor will truly be missed by friends and family.

Dur was preceded in death by his parents, Roy (Army) and Bernice Thomas; his sisters, Gwendolyn Nolte, and Margaret Lou Plude; and his daughter, Michelle “Shelley” Wood.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Karen Thomas; his children, Michael Thomas (Terry), Monique Chapman (Stephen), and Tori McDonald (Jim); his son-in-law, Jason Wood; his grandchildren, BayLee Wood, Jessie Wood, J.T. Wood, Chase Thomas (Ramona), Annette Nielsen (Jared), Scott Strand (Kacie), Tyler Stuber (Kacy), Mikayla Stuber, Austin Chapman (Nobian), Hannah Chapman, Matt Coy, and Trevor Zylka; his great-grandchildren, Rowan, Natasha, Camille, Kendall, Monique, Talyn, Olivia, Mayah, Colton, and Carmen; as well as nieces, nephews and other friends and family.