Dr. Benny Earl "Doc" Thomas (August 29, 1944 - August 6, 2026) | Obituaries – Lake of the Ozarks

Dr. Benny Earl "Doc" Thomas Obituary

Dr. Benny Earl Thomas, lovingly known as “Doc” to countless patients and friends, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026, at the age of 81, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of compassion, laughter, generosity, and service. His passing marks the end of an era for the communities he faithfully served, but his impact will continue to be felt for generations.

For more than five decades, Dr. Thomas cared for generations of families throughout the Lake of the Ozarks region, including Lake Ozark, Waynesville, Dixon, Crocker, and Iberia, Missouri. Since beginning his medical practice in 1973, he became far more than a physician—he became a trusted friend, confidant, and healer. He celebrated life’s joys with his patients, stood beside them during heartbreak, and cared for them with unwavering compassion. Medicine was never simply his profession; it was his calling, and one of the greatest sources of pride in his life.

Dr. Thomas began his educational journey at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, where he completed his undergraduate studies and earned his degree in pharmacy. He went on to receive his medical degree from A.T. Still University in Kirksville, Missouri, before completing his internship at Still Hospital in Jefferson City, now known as Capital Region Medical Center.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Thomas devoted himself to serving others. He was a proud and devoted Shriner for over fifty years, joining the organization in 1976, and was honored as a 33° Scottish Rite Mason in recognition of his exceptional dedication to Freemasonry and his community. Whether through his profession, his fraternal organizations, or simply helping a friend in need, Benny believed that a life well lived was one spent serving others.

Those who knew Benny knew that he was larger than life. He never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making ordinary moments memorable. His infectious laugh, booming personality, quick wit, and generous heart filled every room he entered. He loved gathering with friends for dinners—often driving miles out of the way just to discover a great restaurant—and was always planning his next hunting or fishing adventure, never wanting to experience it alone but instead sharing it with the friends he loved like family.

Above all else, Benny treasured his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Beverly Thomas, who faithfully served the citizens of Camden County as County Commissioner for sixteen years. He is also survived by his daughter, Dr. Amanda Kingston, and her husband, Jordan Kingston, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and by his cherished grandchildren, Theodore (“TJ”) and Claire Kingston. His grandchildren were the light of his life. Benny often said that the times they stayed with him were among the happiest days he ever experienced, and there was nothing he enjoyed more than sharing stories about them. He never grew tired of telling others about Amanda’s accomplishments, speaking of her with unmistakable pride and a smile that lit up his face.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Alma Thomas; his brother, Gene Thomas; and his beloved cousin, Charles Thomas.

Life is filled with seasons of joy and sorrow. As Benny often reminded those around him, we must “take the bitter with the sweet.” Yet there are moments when the bitter feels almost too heavy to bear, and his passing is one of those moments for all who knew and loved him. While his family finds comfort in knowing he is at peace, they also know that his absence leaves an immeasurable emptiness in their hearts and in the lives of the many people fortunate enough to know him.

The family is deeply grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, meals, kindness, and support during this difficult time. Your compassion has been a source of tremendous comfort and a reminder of just how many lives Benny touched.

Dr. Benny Thomas leaves behind not only a loving family but also thousands of grateful patients, lifelong friends, colleagues, and neighbors whose lives are better because of his care, his laughter, and his generosity. His legacy lives on in every life he healed, every friendship he cherished, and every person who was fortunate enough to call him “Doc.”

Though life goes on, it will never be the same without him. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who knew him.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Home in Osage Beach, Missouri; 514 Highway 42 Osage Beach, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, a cause that was especially close to Benny’s heart and reflected his lifelong commitment to helping children and serving others.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 514 State Highway 42, Osage Beach, Missouri 65065, (573) 348-3232.