Ronald Ray Thomas, Sr

Ronald Ray "Ronnie" Thomas, SR. was born May 21, 1945 to Andrew Thomas and Alena Gooch Thomas. He was educated in the Des Moines Pubic school system and eventually received his GED. Later in life, Ronnie also took courses at DMACC.

Ronnie worked for Homes of Oakridge for many years in the maintenance department. After he retired, he couldn't just sit around. He took a part time job at McDonald's. Ronnie thoroughly enjoyed his job and meeting all the people he came in contact with. He was a friendly guy and greeting and helping the public was right up his alley.

When Ronnie wasn't working he loved spending time with his grandchildren. He would tell them stories of his boxing career and how he was the Golden Gloves Champion for several years. Ronnie was 'Old School Cool". He loved to dance and entertain the ladies. If you put some James Brown music on the record player, he would show you he could dance! He loved fishing from the Scott Street bridge and could cook what he caught. Ronnie was the father of Monty, Angelic, Ronnie, Falecia, Odessa and Ronald Jr. Sadly he would be preceded in death by Monty and Angelic. He was tough on the boys and easy on the girls, but always "Dad".

On March 1, 2016, Ronnie quietly slipped away to be with the Lord. There was a welcoming committee waiting for him on the other side. His parents, Andrew and Alena Thomas; his son, Monty and daughter Angelic; sisters, Barbara Thomas, Ella Carr, Elaine Booker and Lucille Clark.

Left here to cherish Ronnie's memory are his children, Ronnie Thomas of Seattle, WA, Ronald Thomas Jr, Falecia (Sekou) Mytayari and Odessa (James) Jacobs, all of Des Moines, IA; his siblings, Donald McKee, Joann Thomas, Kaye Norfleet, Gladdis Jones and Margie Williams, all of Des Moines, IA, and William Thomas Jr of Seattle, WA; his beloved grandchildren, Marquez, Thomas, Courtney Mtayari, Sekou Mtayari Jr., Jakeisha Jacobs, Jaesha Jacobs, Ronald Thomas III, Darius Thomas, Donte Welker, Dejoie Thomas, JaVonte Welker and 9 great grandchildren; his former wife and friend Avona Thomas along with a host of extended family and friends.

Memorials may be made to the family or funeral home.

Expressions of love through food may be taken to Avona Thomas' house at 1513 College.



Tribute Service

MAR 12. 01:00 PM

Mt. Hebron Baptist Church

1338 - 9th Street

Des Moines, IA, US