Kelly Wayne Thomas was born November 19, 1967, in Hayti, Missouri. He passed away on August 25, 2023, in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He was 55 years of age.

He was preceded in death by Maternal Grandparents: Rollen and Mary Francis Crawford, and Paternal Grandparents: L.N. and Arlie Thomas

Kelly was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He worked as a maintenance supervisor at Teneris in Blytheville, Arkansas for 20 years. He also farmed and was a firefighter for the Hayti Volunteer Fire Department for many years. Kelly was a creature of habit. He loved drinking his morning coffee on the deck at the home he shared with his wife, Lorrie. He and Lorrie once discussed if they had a ticket to anywhere; where would they go? They both agreed they wanted to be sitting on their deck drinking coffee together.  Kelly loved taking care of others, one of his favorite things was cooking for his family and friends. He loved being at the lake with his kids and grandkids. He was always up to take a trip with his wife and friends. Kelly had a big extended family of Jeep and NASCAR friends. He was a Jeep enthusiast. He and Lorrie enjoyed riding trails in his beloved Jeep Paycheck. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR. His favorite track was Talladega. Kelly will be missed by so many who knew him.

He leaves the following behind to cherish his memory:

Wife: Lorrie Riley Thomas of Hayti, MO.

2 Children: Tyler (Kasey) Thomas and Kelcie (Chase) Hopkins of Caruthersville, MO.

Parents: Ronnie and Sharon Thomas of Hayti, MO.

Brother: Todd Thomas of Cooter, MO.

5 Grandchildren: Brilyn Thomas, Emmy Hopkins, Raelynn Thomas, Rogen Thomas, and Gray Hopkins

Nieces: Olivia and Mackenzie Thomas

Close friends/brothers: Jeremy Cooper, Dustin Terry, Joseph Adkerson, Derrick Brown, and so many members of his racing family he never called friends, they were his brothers and sisters.

Funeral Services were held Monday, August 28, 2023, at 5 p.m. in the John W. German Funeral Home Chapel in Hayti, with Pastor Robert Cowles officiating.