Obituary of Richard Michael Thomas

Thursday, December 17, 2020, United States Veteran Richard Michael Thomas (84), a loving husband and father of four daughters, passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side. Richard (Duke) Thomas was born December 17, 1936, to Theodore and Olympia Rose Thomas in Chicago, Illinois. Richard graduated from Tilden Tech High School in Chicago, Illinois, in 1954. After high school, he served a term with the Airforce repairing radar equipment. He was stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi, and the Azores Islands, Portugal, receiving a medal of good conduct and honorable discharge. After the Air Force, he was employed at Pitney Bowes, UARCO (for 25 years), then went into a short retirement where he re-entered the workforce as a baker at Meijer and retired after 15+ years of service. Richard married his sweetheart Elaine May Sivertsen in July 1961 and was married for 42 years. Together they raised four daughters Kari, Diane, Susan, and Richelle. Richard was a proud member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Livonia Chapter 114, mentoring several veterans and serving as the DAV Livonia Chapter 114 Trustee. He served on the Michigan Democratic Club in Livonia, working with other Metro Detroit branches as well. Richard was awarded the volunteer of the year award in 2012 and later would serve as the Michigan Democratic Clubs Vice President. He ran several fundraising efforts for both the DAV and the Democratic Party. He gave tireless time and effort to the DAV and the Michigan Democratic Club. Richard was loved and admired by many for his kindness and dedication. Richard enjoyed fishing, cruising, and gambling. He also built his very own television and was a man of many passions with a quick wit, lively spirit, and infectious smile. He was often known as the life of the party and would break into song at a moments notice, often making up songs. Richard was preceded in death by his father and mother, Theodore (Olympia Rose) Thomas, his wife Elaine May Sivertsen, his father-in-law, and mother-in-law Kjell Sivertsen (Frances). He is survived by his four children, Kari Mason, Diane Schlicher (Mark), Susan McVey, Richelle Thomas, his grandchildren Antuanette Thomas, Trevor Mason, Jacob Mason, Marissa McVey, Brayden Bundensen, and great-grandchild Gabrielle Coleman. Also survived by his brother Theodore (Ted), Thomas (Doe), Sister Dona Barkowski (Heinz), Sister-in-Law Lois Flood (James), Brother-in-law Richard Sivertsen (Ulla). Nieces Kristine Navarro (Mario), Kathy Lempka (Andrew), Colleen Flood, and Britt Marie Sivertsen. Nephews Ron Thomas, Jessie Pash, Eric Sivertsen (Cheryl), and Stephen Fox (Nicole). The Cremation Society of Michigan is cremating Richard. Due to the COVID 19 Pandemic, a funeral service will be held to honor him in the Spring or Summer of 2021, and an announcement will be posted by his daughters to celebrate his life. His ashes will be placed with his wife Elaine at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Arlington Heights, Illinois, following a Military funeral. In place of flowers, please donate to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Livonia Chapter 114, Attn: Gary Bush, in honor or memory of Richard Thomas, 30905 Plymouth Road, Livonia, MI 48150, or the Michigan Democratic Club, Livonia Attn: Chris Lee in honor or memory of Richard Thomas, 36797 Bristol, Livonia Mi 48154.