Duane Thomas Obituary

Duane Alfred Thomas, born May 15, 1928 to Alfred C. and Hattie L. Thomas, died August 26, 2011. He was a retired printer that worked at the United States Air Force Academy. Duane was born in Waterloo Iowa; he graduated from East High School class of 1946; has lived in Colorado since 1962; and was a member of the Fairbanks Family In America. Duane was honorably discharged from the army in November of 1952. In 1956 he married Betty I. Ehrke, and a few years later moved to Colorado Springs in 1962 and took a job as a printer working for Outwest Printing and Stationery. In 1966 he accepted a position at the Air Force Academy, working in the printing plant and retired from Civil Service in 1985. Duane was a member of Black Hawk Lodge #65 in Cedar Falls Iowa, a member of the Denver Consistory and a member of Al Kaly Shrine. He was a charter member of the Pikes Peak Soaring club, being an avid pilot, sailplane pilot and model airplane enthusiast. He was also a member of the Pikes Peak Radio Control Club, and was a member of the Black Forest Sheriff's Posse. More important than what he did is who he was... Duane leaves behind his lovely wife of 55 years Betty I. Thomas (formerly Betty Ehrke) and a full legacy of three children: Pamela Major, Mark Thomas and Linda Flaker, his seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and his beloved dog Sandy. Duane was preceded in death by his brother, Newell Thomas and by both of his parents, Alfred and Hattie Thomas. He was, and always will be dearly loved for his gentleness, his sense of humor, and his love for nature. As he was sometimes called, Dr. Doolittle had a way of interacting with even the wild animals in Black Forest, where he lived for 47 years. We have, and will always love you Duane! Graveside services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at Eastonville Cemetery in Black Forest. A Memorial Service will then be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Shrine of Remembrance "America the Beautiful" Chapel. A reception will follow at the Olympian Plaza Reception and Event Center, 975 South Union Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, gifts and memorials may be made to Shriner's Hospital for Children in Duane Thomas' name. Shriner's Hospital c/o Al Kaly Shrine A. A. O. N. M. S., 635 W. Corona Avenue, Pueblo, CO 81004, www.alkalyshrine.org.