Bret Alan Thomas, 57 of Warsaw, Missouri; formerly of Chilhowee passed away Monday, March 23, 2020 at Bothwell Regional Health Center in Sedalia.

Bret was born December 18, 1962 in Kansas City, Kansas to Lanny Thomas and Mary Jo Miller.  He graduated from Crest Ridge High School as part of the Class of '82. Bret had lived in Warsaw for the past 15 years. He worked at Stahl's Specialty in his younger years before owning and operating Thomas' Transmissions out of Chilhowee.  After moving to Warsaw, he continued rebuilding transmissions and tinkering around his shop. More recently, he worked for the Army Corps of Engineers in the Truman Lake area and volunteered as the Fire Chief of Osage Valley Fire District. Bret was an avid pool player and fisherman. In the spring he enjoyed being a fishing guide. Everyone knew that he lived for "Snagging Season."  Bret loved his cherry red 1970 Chevy Camaro that he bought when he was 18 years old. He owned it his whole life and enjoyed working on it and racing it over the years. He was a long time Kansas City Chiefs and Dale Earnhart fan. His recreation room sported a pool table, a big TV to watch games and walls covered with memorabilia that he collected over the years. Seeing the Chiefs finally go to the Super Bowl and win was a long awaited dream come true for him.

Survivors include three daughters: Tiffany Burnell (Timothy) of Lee's Summit, MO; Tabithia Atkison (Gary) of Centerview, MO and Naomi Thomas of Sedalia, MO; father: Lanny Thomas of Sunrise Beach, MO; three sisters: Theresa Vallow of Lake Charles, LA; Tracy Ogea (Mike) of Lake Charles, LA and Shelly Bonner (Wayne) of Leeton, MO; and five grandchildren: Hailey (15), Nathan (13), Navia (7), Jozlynne (7) and Emerson (9 weeks).  Bret had a crew of great friends who became family that checked in on him every day, some new and some he'd known his whole life. Bret also leaves behind a girlfriend, Lisa. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Jo Miller; stepfather, Lee Miller; stepmother: Nancy Thomas and stepsister: Michelle Thomas.

Following cremation, a Celebration of Life service will be scheduled at a later date, this summer, at Bret's home in Warsaw.

Arrangements entrusted to Williams Funeral chapel in Warrensburg.

Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfuneralchapel.net