Craig Thomas

Craig Stephen Thomas of Farmington passed away on Monday, January 9, 2012, at the age of 34. He was born on February 20, 1977, at Farmington, son of Stephen Duane and Deborah Ann (Christian) Thomas. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Robert Christian and his cousins, Kevin Kollmeyer and Kelli Grantham. Craig was a 1995 graduate of Farmington High School and a 2000 year graduate of McKendree University in Lebanon, IL where he was active in their football programs. He went on to a position with GE Ionics as a field representative in water purification. A true outdoorsman, Craig will be remembered for his love of hunting and nature photography. He was a loyal supporter of the Farmington Knight Football Program and namesake to the Craig Thomas Character Award which was created for recognition of a player with the character for which Craig had exemplified in both his football career and his life. His passion in more recent years was his spiritual faith, specifically his faith in Christ Jesus. Craig's struggle with ALS for the past eight years is best quoted in an interview he did with Donna Hickman where Craig said "I hope if there is a legacy that it would be how God works in my life through this." Ms. Hickman went on to say, "If you begin a conversation with Craig Thomas feeling sympathy for him, you will end it feeling inspired by him." Craig will most certainly be remembered for his courage and for the number of people he has inspired. Survivors in addition to his parents include the light of his life, son, Riley Tate Thomas; sister, Stephanie Vaught and husband, Chad of Crane, MO; brother, Doug Thomas and wife, Tanya; grandparents, Jane Christian and Duane and Nadine Thomas, all of Farmington; nieces and nephews, Kylie, Wyatt and Sayd Vaught and Titan, Tiger and Cannon Thomas; and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins. Also surviving are many special, loyal friends. Friends may call at St. Paul Lutheran School Gymnasium on Thursday, January 12 from 4 to 9 p.m. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 13 at St. Paul Lutheran Church with Pastor James King officiating. Interment will follow at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Farmington. Memorials may be made to the St. Paul Lutheran School Building Fund. View Tribute Video and share your condolences and memories at cozean.biz.