Matthew Bernard Thomas

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Matthew Bernard Thomas, of Kansas City, KS, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2021. Funeral services will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Kansas City, KS on Wednesday, December 1st. A rosary will be held in the church at 8:30 am, with a visitation to immediately follow at 9am. Mass will be at 10am. Interment to follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, KCKS. The family suggests memorials to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church or the Heart of America Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
He was born on July 9, 1941 to Matthew I. and Victoria J. (Jurcic) Thomas in Kansas City, KS. Matthew graduated from Bishop Ward High School and received his Associates Degree from Donnelly College in 1961.
Matthew joined the United States Army in 1963 and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. After being honorably discharged, he was employed by Southwestern Bell for 39 years, until he retired in 2002.
In his youth, he earned his Eagle rank in the Boy Scouts of America in 1959. And as an adult, participated in the program as a Scouter, and earned the Bronze Pelican Award for service to Catholic Scouting. He was a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, and Honorary Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He was also very proud of his son and grandson for earning their Eagle rank; and of his granddaughter who was working her way up in the ScoutsBSA program.
Matthew was naturally creative and loved to work with his hands. He saw the beauty and potential in things others didnt and could make just about anything out of glass, wood, plastic, or any other unusual medium. Whether it was something creative, and even gardening, Matthew always had a project in progress.
Throughout his life, there wasnt anyone Matthew couldnt strike up a conversation with. He was a talker, and always had a story to tell. Before too long, he was really good at finding a connection. A stranger was just a friend he hadn't met yet.
Music also played a big role in Matthews life. Having played in the St. Johns Tamburitzans for many years, and more recently performing with the Hrvatski Obicaj Croatian ethnic ensemble, he played the Brac. He also loved to polka and dance the kolo, and was a member of the Don Lipovac Booster Club.
Matthew was a traditionalist to his core. By keeping traditions alive, he helped his family keep strong ties to their roots, culture, and faith. He loved his family and the holidays. He especially enjoyed attending the Independence Day Thomas family reunion, and Christmas. He was a life-long member of St. John's the Baptist Catholic parish, a member of St. Johns Catholic Club, and St. Johns Senior Citizens Croatian Catholic Union and the Croatian Fraternal Union.
Known to his family and friends for making mischief and being ornery, he will be remembered for his sense of humor, big heart, and the ways he gave of himself. From preparing packets of Christmas wheat for parishioners, attending polka dances, to attending Tamburitzan festivals throughout the country Matthew lived his best life.
He is survived by his son, Matthew A. Thomas (Jennifer), and grandchildren, Luke and Faith. As well as his siblings Ivana Morris, Joseph, Genevieve Semet, and George. He is preceded in death by a very special person in his life Helen Podrebarac. A great friend and companion for 15 years.
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Rosary
Wednesday, December 01, 2021
8:30 AM

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 708 N 4TH StKansas City, Kansas 66101

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Visitation
Wednesday, December 01, 2021
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 708 N 4TH StKansas City, Kansas 66101

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Mass of Christian Burial
Wednesday, December 01, 2021
10:00 AM

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 708 N 4TH StKansas City, Kansas 66101

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Burial
Wednesday, December 01, 2021
11:30 AM

Mt. Calvary Cemetery 38 & StateKansas City, Kansas 66102

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