Duane 'Doc' Allen Thomas

Duane “Doc” Thomas went home to Jesus and to take care of Jesus’ animals on October 29, 2024, at age 86. Doc was born to William and Zelma Haldeman Thomas on September 16, 1938 in Fairview, Kansas. As a boy growing up on the farm, he developed his love of animals and the land which led him to attend Kansas State University where he graduated as a veterinarian in 1963. Doc loved his “Purple Wildcats”! Duane met his wife, LaVaun Healy at Central Church in Augusta, Kansas, and they married at that same church in June of 1963, and went on to have two children, Julie and Mark. After living and practicing veterinary medicine in Wisconsin for 5 years, Doc and LaVaun bought the Siloam Springs Veterinary Clinic and became members of the Siloam Springs, AR community. He practiced as a veterinarian for 56 years to hundreds of clients and animals of all kinds. Doc also guided many veterinary students on their career path and helped many young adults with animals and life choices. “Always remember, ethics is what you are in the dark.” In addition to being a dedicated and loving father, Duane also loved working with his cattle, churches, and 4-H clubs. He was also a member of the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Examining Board and Benton County Fair Board where he helped animals and people. Throughout his entire life, he held an unwavering faith in God, which he shared with those who surrounded him and singing songs to glorify God. Many people didn’t believe it was Christmas until they heard Doc sing “Sweet Little Jesus Boy”. Duane joins his parents, William, Zelma, his wife, LaVaun, and his grandson, Evan, in Heaven. He is survived by his current wife, Sharon whom he married on April 14, 2018; his brother, Richard Thomas (numerous nephews and nieces); his children, Julie Bradshaw (her husband, Joseph); Mark Thomas, and Teri Gould (step-daughter); and Doc’s grandchildren; Jace Bradshaw(his wife AlleaBelle), Alliann Thomas, and Owen Thomas . Exodus 23:20 “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.” A Memorial Service will be held November 9, 2024, 1:00 p.m., at First Baptist Church, 2000 Dawn Hill Road, Siloam Springs, Arkansas. To sign the online guestbook, please visit: www.wassonfuneralhome.com Memorial contributions may be made to Christian Veterinary Missions https://cvm.org/give , and Samaritans Purse https://www.samaritanspurse.org/

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Duane 'Doc' Allen Thomas

September 16, 1938 - October 29, 2024