Terry R. Thomas, 65, of Redfield, SD, died Saturday, May 30, 2009 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. His funeral will be Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Redfield. Reverend Tim Fugman will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be Monday from 1-8:00 p.m. with the family present from 5-7:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Terrance was born October 4, 1943 in Redfield to Clifford and Lucille (Wagner) Thomas. He grew up in the Rockham area and graduated from Redfield High School in 1961. He attended South Dakota State University in Brookings and Black Hills College in Spearfish before entering the United States Navy. Terry served three tours, in the Navy, during the Vietnam War, as a gunner on a river boat. After his discharge, he married Donna Whitley on April 17, 1971 in Redfield. Terry started working in the cable television business and his company would later be known as Thomas Communications. Terry built, owned and operated cable systems throughout the United States, including South Dakota, Texas, Oklahoma, Michigan, North Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana. He also raised cattle and ranched in the Redfield and Zell areas.

Terry was an avid gun collector and enjoyed hunting and trap shooting. He also flew his own airplane and had numerous collectable vehicles.

He was a lifetime member of the Clay Kiser American Legion Post #92 and Paul A. Schleher VFW Post #2755. He was a member of the Shriners, Masonic Lodge and the First Congregational United Church of Christ. He was past president of the South Dakota Cable Association.

Terry is survived by his wife Donna of Redfield; four sons: Paul (Della) Whitley of Redfield and their children Josie and Gracie; Jay (Dawn) Whitley of Redfield and their children Austin, Conner and Lexy; Wade (Beth) Thomas of Sioux Falls, SD and their children Wyatt and Terran; and Travis Thomas and his son Jakob of Redfield. He is also survived by his mother Lucille Thomas of Redfield and his sister Pam Schmidt of Redfield and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, an infant brother, his brother-in-law Russel "Buzzy" Schmidt and his dog Molly.