In loving memory and with deep appreciation for a life well lived, we honor Leon Nicholas Thomas, age 93, of Kennebec, SD, who passed away on Monday, October 7, 2024. He was born on April 3, 1931 in Tipton, Kansas to Mike and Helen (Wagner) Thomas. Leon touched the lives of many and was admired by his family and those around him for his hard work and integrity. He has departed this world and gone to heaven to plant wheat to his heart's content with all those who have gone before him, watching over us as we navigate this life journey until we reunite on the other side.

Leon attended school in Tipton, Kansas graduating high school in 1949. He enlisted in the Air Force following graduation, attended basic training in San Antonio, Texas, then stationed in Albuquerque, New Mexico before going to Spokane Washington. It was in Spokane that he met his wife, Shirley, on a blind date. They were married on October 2, 1954. He was a long-time member of the Johnson-Peterson American Legion Post 179.

Inspired by their father's dream of farming in South Dakota, after honorary discharge from military service Leon and his brother Duane moved to Lyman County to follow their dreams of farming on the plains of South Dakota in 1955. Leon and Shirley began their life in a small travel trailer at the KOA, where Leon helped around the campground to pay for their lot rent. It was cold in the winter prompting them to quickly look for somewhere else to live. They found a small farmhouse south of town, however it did not have running water so at the first opportunity they moved to an apartment in town above the bank with indoor plumbing. To accommodate their growing family, they bought the white house in town. After their 3rd child they purchased the current house in 1972 where Leon resided until his passing.

His passion was farming, so faithfully watched the markets, the weather, precipitation and wind speeds to calculate the best time to plant, harvest or spray. When you love what you do it is not work. He generously shared his passion and knowledge with friends and family whenever he could. His legacy continues to live on through his children and grandchildren.

Although Leon was in the Air Force he learned to fly at the Chamberlain airport. He used this newfound knowledge to travel and chauffer his children to summer camps and medical appointments.

Golf was one of his few pastimes outside of farming. He started this sport a little later in life to enjoy spending some free time with friends and family. He was an early riser, often getting in a few holes at sunrise before beginning his day.

Leon enjoyed early mornings with the coffee crew. If you are from around here, you frequently saw him in his white pickup driving around making sure everything was right in town and on the farm. This familiar sight will be missed by all of us.

Leon is survived by Shirley, three children, Sherie (Philip) Hall, Linda (Buzz) Whitney, Kevin (Janelyn) Thomas, five grandchildren, Scott, Colton, Kristen, Kelsey and Bodie. Great-grandchildren, Devon, Hailey, Dylan, Fiona, Norah, Delilah, Theodore and Liv, brother Duane and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Helen Thomas.

Please join us in a Celebration of Life for Leon on October 19th at the Kennebec Fire Department from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm for a meal and fellowship. Interment will take place at the Kennebec Cemetery immediately following the celebration.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Kennebec Fire Department.

Leon will be greatly missed and will forever live on in our hearts. We thank everyone for their love and support.

And God said, "Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of this earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food." Genesis 1:29.