08/18/2026
Prayers for Patty and family at this difficult time.
Jackie Clark Thomas, age 90, of Boonville, passed away on Saturday, August 15, 206 at Tipton Oak Manor.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Howard-Millard Funeral Home, followed by a Memorial Service to begin at 6:00 p.m. Memorials in Jack’s honor are suggested to The Alzheimer’s Association, 1601 E. Broadway, Columbia, Missouri 65201, or to The Santa Fe Trail Group, 921 4th Street, Boonville, Missouri 65233.
Born on October 14, 1935, in Boonville, Missouri, Jack was the son of Marion and Nora (Watts) Thomas. He grew up in Boonsboro, attending school there and later Glasgow High School for 2 years until his family moved to Boonville. He completed his junior and senior years at Boonville High School, graduating with the Class of 1954.
On June 16, 1955, Jack married the love of his life, Patricia Birge, in Boonville. They shared 71 devoted years together and raised four sons: Mark, Scott, Jay, and Jon.
Jack was known for his strong work ethic and dedication. He began his career immediately after high school at Toastmaster. He later worked in highway construction on I-70 as it was built through the area. In 1959, the family moved to Liberty while Jack worked for Ford Motor Company. In 1963, they returned to Boonville, where Jack managed the first Texaco Station on Highway 5. In 1969, he joined Midwest Auto and later spent many years with Midstate Oil Company managing service stations. He retired from Midstate Vending but continued working as a bus driver for Show Me Coaches.
Jack was a member of the Boonsboro Christian Church. He was an avid bird hunter and fisherman, and he coached youth baseball for many years as his boys were growing up. Jack built and managed the Thomas Racing Team, which competed in Go-Kart Racing on the local, state, and national level for 4 years with sons Scott and Jay as the principal drivers. He remained a dedicated supporter of all four sons throughout their sporting events and accomplishments.
Jack is survived by his wife Patty of Boonville; sons: Mark Thomas (Judith) of Odessa, Scott Thomas (Charlene) of Boonville, Jay Thomas (Susan) of Marshfield, Jon Thomas (Jenny) of Dallas; grandchildren: Lauren Ochsner (Matthew), Clint Watts (Meg), Grant Reid (Nico), Grace Reid (Thomas), Amanda Ramey (Jeremiah) Matthew Thomas, Shane Thomas (Dixie Harmon), Trenton Thomas, Korey Wells, Hailey Brown (Caleb), Hannah Whitaker (Kale), Cooper Thomas; nine great grandchildren; one brother, Ronald Thomas (Rita) of Osage Beach; and several nieces, nephews and other family members.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Nora Thomas; brothers: Billie Gene and Donald Thomas; and a sister Joyce Earles.
Arrangements are under the direction of Howard-Millard Funeral Home, 1397 Ashley Rd., Boonville, Mo 65233 (660) 882-3381. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.howardfh.com.
