Matthew Bernard Thomas, of Kansas City, KS, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2021. He was born on July 9, 1941 to Matthew I. and Victoria J. (Jurcic) Thomas in Kansas City, KS.
Matt graduated from Ward High School and earned his Associates Degree from Donnelly College in 1961. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1963 and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. After being honorably discharged, he was employed by Southwestern Bell for 39 years, retiring in 2002.
In his youth, he earned his Eagle rank in the Boy Scouts of America in 1959. As an adult, he continued in the program as a Scouter, earning the Bronze Pelican Award for service to Catholic Scouting. He was a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, and Honorary Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He was very proud of his son and grandson for earning their Eagle rank; and of his granddaughter who was working her way up in the ScoutsBSA program.
Matth was naturally creative and loved to work with his hands. He saw the beauty and potential in things others didn't and could make just about anything out of glass, wood, plastic, or any other unusual medium. Whether it was something creative, and even gardening, Matt always had a project in progress.
Throughout his life, there wasn't anyone Matt couldn't strike up a conversation with. He was a talker, and always had a story to tell. Before too long, he was really good at finding a connection. A stranger was just a friend he hadn't met yet.
Music also played a big role in Matt's life. He played in the St. John's Tamburitzans for many years, and more recently had been performing with the Hrvatski Obicaj Croatian ethnic ensemble, playing the Brac. He also loved to polka and dance the kolo, and was a member of the Don Lipovac Booster Club.
Matthew was a traditionalist to his core. By keeping traditions alive, he helped his family keep strong ties to their roots, culture, and faith. He loved his family and the holidays. He especially enjoyed attending the Independence Day Thomas family reunion, and Christmas. He was a life-long member of St. John the Baptist Catholic parish, a member of St. John's Catholic Club, and St. John's Senior Citizens Croatian Catholic Union and the Croatian Fraternal Union.
Known to his family and friends for making mischief and being ornery, he will be remembered for his sense of humor, big heart, and the ways he gave of himself. From preparing packets of Christmas wheat for parishioners, attending polka dances, to attending Tamburitzan festivals throughout the country – Matt lived his best life.
He is survived by his son, Matthew A. Thomas (Jennifer), and grandchildren, Luke and Faith. As well as his siblings Ivana Morris, Joseph, Genevieve Semet, and George. He was preceded in death by a very special person in his life - Helen Podrebarac - great friend and companion for 15 years.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Kansas City, KS on Wednesday, December 1st, 2021. Interment to follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, KC KS, under the direction of the Skradski Funeral home. The family suggests memorials to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church or the Heart of America Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Additional details can be found at https://www.skradskifh-kc.com/obituary/matthew-thomas
Matt graduated from Ward High School and earned his Associates Degree from Donnelly College in 1961. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1963 and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. After being honorably discharged, he was employed by Southwestern Bell for 39 years, retiring in 2002.
In his youth, he earned his Eagle rank in the Boy Scouts of America in 1959. As an adult, he continued in the program as a Scouter, earning the Bronze Pelican Award for service to Catholic Scouting. He was a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, and Honorary Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He was very proud of his son and grandson for earning their Eagle rank; and of his granddaughter who was working her way up in the ScoutsBSA program.
Matth was naturally creative and loved to work with his hands. He saw the beauty and potential in things others didn't and could make just about anything out of glass, wood, plastic, or any other unusual medium. Whether it was something creative, and even gardening, Matt always had a project in progress.
Throughout his life, there wasn't anyone Matt couldn't strike up a conversation with. He was a talker, and always had a story to tell. Before too long, he was really good at finding a connection. A stranger was just a friend he hadn't met yet.
Music also played a big role in Matt's life. He played in the St. John's Tamburitzans for many years, and more recently had been performing with the Hrvatski Obicaj Croatian ethnic ensemble, playing the Brac. He also loved to polka and dance the kolo, and was a member of the Don Lipovac Booster Club.
Matthew was a traditionalist to his core. By keeping traditions alive, he helped his family keep strong ties to their roots, culture, and faith. He loved his family and the holidays. He especially enjoyed attending the Independence Day Thomas family reunion, and Christmas. He was a life-long member of St. John the Baptist Catholic parish, a member of St. John's Catholic Club, and St. John's Senior Citizens Croatian Catholic Union and the Croatian Fraternal Union.
Known to his family and friends for making mischief and being ornery, he will be remembered for his sense of humor, big heart, and the ways he gave of himself. From preparing packets of Christmas wheat for parishioners, attending polka dances, to attending Tamburitzan festivals throughout the country – Matt lived his best life.
He is survived by his son, Matthew A. Thomas (Jennifer), and grandchildren, Luke and Faith. As well as his siblings Ivana Morris, Joseph, Genevieve Semet, and George. He was preceded in death by a very special person in his life - Helen Podrebarac - great friend and companion for 15 years.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Kansas City, KS on Wednesday, December 1st, 2021. Interment to follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, KC KS, under the direction of the Skradski Funeral home. The family suggests memorials to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church or the Heart of America Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Additional details can be found at https://www.skradskifh-kc.com/obituary/matthew-thomas
Matthew Bernard Thomas, of Kansas City, KS, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2021. He was born on July 9, 1941 to Matthew I. and Victoria J. (Jurcic) Thomas in Kansas City, KS.
Matt graduated from Ward High School and earned his Associates Degree from Donnelly College in 1961. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1963 and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. After being honorably discharged, he was employed by Southwestern Bell for 39 years, retiring in 2002.
In his youth, he earned his Eagle rank in the Boy Scouts of America in 1959. As an adult, he continued in the program as a Scouter, earning the Bronze Pelican Award for service to Catholic Scouting. He was a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, and Honorary Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He was very proud of his son and grandson for earning their Eagle rank; and of his granddaughter who was working her way up in the ScoutsBSA program.
Matth was naturally creative and loved to work with his hands. He saw the beauty and potential in things others didn't and could make just about anything out of glass, wood, plastic, or any other unusual medium. Whether it was something creative, and even gardening, Matt always had a project in progress.
Throughout his life, there wasn't anyone Matt couldn't strike up a conversation with. He was a talker, and always had a story to tell. Before too long, he was really good at finding a connection. A stranger was just a friend he hadn't met yet.
Music also played a big role in Matt's life. He played in the St. John's Tamburitzans for many years, and more recently had been performing with the Hrvatski Obicaj Croatian ethnic ensemble, playing the Brac. He also loved to polka and dance the kolo, and was a member of the Don Lipovac Booster Club.
Matthew was a traditionalist to his core. By keeping traditions alive, he helped his family keep strong ties to their roots, culture, and faith. He loved his family and the holidays. He especially enjoyed attending the Independence Day Thomas family reunion, and Christmas. He was a life-long member of St. John the Baptist Catholic parish, a member of St. John's Catholic Club, and St. John's Senior Citizens Croatian Catholic Union and the Croatian Fraternal Union.
Known to his family and friends for making mischief and being ornery, he will be remembered for his sense of humor, big heart, and the ways he gave of himself. From preparing packets of Christmas wheat for parishioners, attending polka dances, to attending Tamburitzan festivals throughout the country – Matt lived his best life.
He is survived by his son, Matthew A. Thomas (Jennifer), and grandchildren, Luke and Faith. As well as his siblings Ivana Morris, Joseph, Genevieve Semet, and George. He was preceded in death by a very special person in his life - Helen Podrebarac - great friend and companion for 15 years.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Kansas City, KS on Wednesday, December 1st, 2021. Interment to follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, KC KS, under the direction of the Skradski Funeral home. The family suggests memorials to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church or the Heart of America Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Additional details can be found at https://www.skradskifh-kc.com/obituary/matthew-thomas
Matt graduated from Ward High School and earned his Associates Degree from Donnelly College in 1961. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1963 and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. After being honorably discharged, he was employed by Southwestern Bell for 39 years, retiring in 2002.
In his youth, he earned his Eagle rank in the Boy Scouts of America in 1959. As an adult, he continued in the program as a Scouter, earning the Bronze Pelican Award for service to Catholic Scouting. He was a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, and Honorary Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He was very proud of his son and grandson for earning their Eagle rank; and of his granddaughter who was working her way up in the ScoutsBSA program.
Matth was naturally creative and loved to work with his hands. He saw the beauty and potential in things others didn't and could make just about anything out of glass, wood, plastic, or any other unusual medium. Whether it was something creative, and even gardening, Matt always had a project in progress.
Throughout his life, there wasn't anyone Matt couldn't strike up a conversation with. He was a talker, and always had a story to tell. Before too long, he was really good at finding a connection. A stranger was just a friend he hadn't met yet.
Music also played a big role in Matt's life. He played in the St. John's Tamburitzans for many years, and more recently had been performing with the Hrvatski Obicaj Croatian ethnic ensemble, playing the Brac. He also loved to polka and dance the kolo, and was a member of the Don Lipovac Booster Club.
Matthew was a traditionalist to his core. By keeping traditions alive, he helped his family keep strong ties to their roots, culture, and faith. He loved his family and the holidays. He especially enjoyed attending the Independence Day Thomas family reunion, and Christmas. He was a life-long member of St. John the Baptist Catholic parish, a member of St. John's Catholic Club, and St. John's Senior Citizens Croatian Catholic Union and the Croatian Fraternal Union.
Known to his family and friends for making mischief and being ornery, he will be remembered for his sense of humor, big heart, and the ways he gave of himself. From preparing packets of Christmas wheat for parishioners, attending polka dances, to attending Tamburitzan festivals throughout the country – Matt lived his best life.
He is survived by his son, Matthew A. Thomas (Jennifer), and grandchildren, Luke and Faith. As well as his siblings Ivana Morris, Joseph, Genevieve Semet, and George. He was preceded in death by a very special person in his life - Helen Podrebarac - great friend and companion for 15 years.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Kansas City, KS on Wednesday, December 1st, 2021. Interment to follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, KC KS, under the direction of the Skradski Funeral home. The family suggests memorials to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church or the Heart of America Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Additional details can be found at https://www.skradskifh-kc.com/obituary/matthew-thomas
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