Ralph G. Thomas
May 9, 1937 ~ December 28, 2022
Ralph G. Thomas, 85, of Wichita, KS, died peacefully, Wednesday, December 28, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 9, 1937, at Gas, KS. He was the son of Ralph Thomas and Melvina Grant Thomas. He attended Spearville High School and Kansas State University. In 1958, he accepted a job with the United States Department of Agriculture (ASC) in Dodge City, KS. In 1961, he was promoted to the position of County Executive Director of the Ford County ASC office, a position he held until being promoted in 1984 to District Director for 12 counties in South Central Kansas. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and only sister, Hannah Aunspaugh. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Connie (Hornung) Thomas and four children, Danny (Mary) Thomas, Darren (Shari) Thomas all of Dodge City, KS and Drenda (Chad) Higgins, and Dalenda (Brad) Hoy all of Wichita. He has six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Rosary will be 7:00 pm, Sunday, January 1, 2023, Funeral Mass, 10:30 am, Monday, January 2, 2023, both at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. Memorials have been established with: St, Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 3642 N. Ridge Rd., Wichita, KS 67205 and Good Shepherd Hospice, 7829 E. Rockhill St., Suite 403, Wichita, KS 67206. Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
I have many, many, many wonderful memories of times spent with Ralph & Connie. He was one of my favorite people to give a hard time. I will especially miss his laugh.
Uncle Ralph was such a great role model of how to put family, God, and friends first in life. He and Aunt Connie helped raise me and my sister Jackie and younger brother Eric after our father passed away in 1983. He and Aunt Connie were always there for our mother Julene for whatever she needed. His work ethic was second to none. Some of my fondest memories of Uncle Ralph were while playing sports when growing up. From peewee football to college baseball, he was always there to support and coach us up. He loved sports and family and he always tried to be there to watch and support everyone he knew. I will never forget playing catch with a football with Uncle Ralph as a kid and hearing him call out (Hut-Tut-A-Lut) when it was your turn to go out for pass. I will miss his genuine care and interest for whatever it was you were doing in life.
Larry & Susie Konrade
Haeden, Susie, Haize, and Westyn Henderson
Kole, Sloan, and Kora Konrade
Ashland, KS
What a great guy. Connie & family, you are in my thoughts & prayers. I worked in Gray Co FSA & Ralph was my DD. He was always so kind & caring of others. I always enjoyed visiting with him. RIP Ralph.
Ralph was such fun to be around. So many good memories of him at the KofC hall in DC. We enjoyed seeing he and Connie after moving back to Ks. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Connie and the family. We are sorry to miss his service as we are away for the winter.
Our condolences to Connie and the entire Thomas family. Ralph was a fine individual, and left us with many happy memories. We always enjoyed visiting with Ralph and Connie over the years. Our prayers are with all of the family during this time. Dena and Brad Israel
Connie and family:
Miles, Betsy and I offer our condolences on the death of a great man. He was always proud of his family! I have many memories of him making me laugh.
I hope you can hold closely the memories and find comfort with them.
What great memories I have working for and with Ralph in our ASCS/FSA careers! Sue and I also have fond memories being I with both Ralph and Connie! Thanks for being such great friends! Our sincere condolences are extended to the entire family. John and Sue Drach
Thinking of you all with sympathy and fond memories of such good times with Ralph and Connie. Ralph was such a well respected man. He continued to follow my sister Barbs (former employee) health even after he retired. We always thought the world of him and will not forget him. May Our Lord bring you comfort with your memories.
Much love and hugs to each of you.
Mary Jo and Larry Heyka
What an incredible man. Ralph gave me a job at the ASCS office while I was at SMPC, encouraged me to start my coaching career at Sacred Heart. Tim
and I both had great respect for him and boy did he love his sports and loved watching his kids and grandkids play. He pushed them hard but with love. He will be missed ! Many thoughts and prayers for his family. Hold the memories tight and each other. “ You better Believe it!”
❤️
I met Ralph and Connie at Assisted Living Ascension Via Christi . They were both wonderful neighbors and I feel lucky to have known them. Ralph had physical disabilities but always greeted others in a kind and friendly manner. He will be missed by all who knew him. Sharon Cooper.
I’ll never forget my first Hornung Thanksgiving experience and how intimidating it was meeting so many new people. One memory that will always stick with me is Ralph greeting me and having a long conversation with him. He always made me feel so comfortable, at ease and part of the family. He was a wonderful man, and will be greatly missed.
Connie, my sincere sympathy to you and your family. Ralph was a friend for many years before he became my boss. He set a very high bar at the ASCS office. It wasn’t always easy but I did respect him and knew that we would remain friends! He will certainly be missed by all who knew him.