Richard "Doc" Thomas M.D. died peacefully in his sleep on Feb. 15, 2015, at the age of 82.
Doc was the fifth child born to William and Ellen Thomas in Bellflower, CA on Dec. 29, 1932. William and Ellen migrated to the United States in the early 1900's from England, making all five children "First Generation Americans" at birth. Doc was a proud American.
Doc was raised in Bellflower, resided in and practiced medicine there until he moved to Prosser, WA in 1994 with his second wife Teri. Active in the community in California, he continued this service in Prosser when he was elected to the Prosser School Board, joined the VFW and contributed to local fundraisers.
He was preceded in death by his brother, William "Bill" Thomas and three sister, Jessie Kipper, Vena Rowe and Alma Miller.
He is survived by his children, Toni Schlensker, Doug Thomas, Gregory Thomas, Leeanne Grady and James (Peggy) Elatico; grandchildren, Bradley DeGraaff, Gregory Jr & Justin Thomas, Michael & Kasie Thomas, Haylee, Paige, Bryn & Kade Elatico and Joshua Halley; and great-grandchildren, Kylsee DeGraaff, Brody, Wyatt & Evan Thomas.
Doc enjoyed living in his quiet little town with its friendly "down to earth" people that felt as strongly about community and family as he did.