RICHARD JOHANNES "DICK" THOMES, DVM. Dick was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on 11/3/35. He graduated from Dom Bosco High School in Milwaukee. He attended Texas A&M earning an undergraduate degree in 1957 and his veterinary degree in 1960. Dick succumbed to a lengthy illness on Friday, May 30, 2014 caused by multiple strokes. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 3rd at Donnellys Colonial Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 4th at 2 p.m. at the Church of the Incarnation on the campus of the University of Dallas. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens. Dick was an innovator in veterinary medicine. As his career progressed, he clearly became a pioneer in the veterinary field. In addition to expanding Animal Medical & Surgical Hospital in Irving (later called Metroplex Veterinary Centre & Pet Lodge) into the first 24-hour full-service veterinary practice in Texas, he also brought specialists into his practice and moved the practice into a new location that was one of the larger veterinary and boarding facilities in the region. Dick also became one of the founders of National PetCare Centers, a company that would grow from an early collection of 19 practices to a total of 75 veterinary practices around the country. He served as a Vice President of NPC and had the primary responsibility for acquisitions during that companys dramatic growth period. After NPC was sold, Dick remained passionate about the veterinary profession and continued to serve as a mentor for many others in that profession. He had many passions. Dick was a diehard Texas Aggie fan; he loved spending time at his lake house, gardening, fishing, boating, and most of all spending time with his family. Dick married the love of his life, Bettye, in 1972 and they blended their two families. Dick was raising his four children and Bettye her three. Dick lost three of his children, Craig, Bruce and Jennifer and his deep faith sustained him through the tragic losses. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Edwin John Thomes and Evelyn Nolin Thomes. He is survived by his loving wife, Bettye, his children Lorelai Thomes Cole (Jeff) of Euless, Michelle Meagher Harlow (Steve) of Southlake, Jenice Meagher Cutler (Trey) of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Allan Meagher of Irving, loving caregivers and friends, Nancy Levells and Jade Irondi; 13 grandchildren, Kara, Devin, Joshua, Craig, Jake, Connor, Mason, Grace, Taylor, Cole, Carson, Amanda, and Katie; 2 great grandchildren; 3 brothers, Toby Thomes (Kathy), Paul Thomes, John Thomes (JoAnn); 2 sisters, Pat Jubera (Duane), Marilyn Hall (John); and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all gifts be directed to the following: Richard J. Thomes, DVM 60 Memorial Scholarship c/o College of Veterinary Medicine, Attn: Deans Office, 4461 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4461. Checks should be made payable to the Texas A&M Foundation.