Edward Lawrence Thomas, O.D.

Dr. Edward Lawrence Thomas, 81, of Independence, MO passed away Saturday, December 26th 2015 with family by his side. A visitation will be held from 9:00-10:00am Wednesday, December 30th at Speaks Suburban Chapel. A funeral service will follow at 10:00am at the chapel. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Raytown, MO.
Ed was born October 14, 1934 in Salina, KS as one of two children to Lawrence Clifford and Marion Edith (Treleaven) Thomas. He graduated from Marshall high school and attended Missouri Valley College, where his father was a professor. He graduated from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. He practiced optometry for over 37 years in the Kansas City Area. Ed married his beloved Ellena (Huffaker) on January 4th, 1985. He was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. He also enjoyed playing the organ, crossword puzzles, vegetable gardening, and working with his computer. His family remembers him as a quiet and hard working man. He is loved and will be missed.
Survivors include wife, Ellena Thomas; stepdaughters, Debbie Cunningham; Denise Sadasivan (Raj); and Diane Fletcher (John); six grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; and numerous other family members who will greatly miss him. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)