Overland Park man Chris Thomas dies at 48

Christopher David Thomas, a longtime medical device consultant, died on October 19 in Overland Park.

Thomas was 48 years old. He was born on December 28, 1977, in Chicago, Illinois. His parents are David and Anne Thomas, who also live in Overland Park.

He spent the final 18 years of his career in the medical device industry. For most of that time, he worked as a Sales Medical Consultant. His most recent role was as an Advanced Wound Care Specialist at Essity. Before joining Essity, he worked at three other companies: Acumed, Organogenesis, and Synthes. He described his work as helping patients heal by applying the right medical devices at the right time.

Thomas is survived by his partner, Nia Oropeza-Thomas, who he described as his best friend and the mother of his children. He also leaves behind his daughter, Sydney, and his sons, Kevin and Noah, all of whom reside in Overland Park. His sister is Meredyth Vick of Kansas City, Kansas. He is also survived by his aunt, Donna Thomas of Brooklyn, New York. His in-laws include Rose Hinkle of Ottawa, Kansas, and Kevin Hinkle of Naples, Florida. His brother-in-law, Jeremy Monslow, lives in Kansas City, and his sister-in-law, Amanda Hinkle, lives in Overland Park.

The family describes Thomas as an exuberant person who rarely met a stranger who did not become a friend. He enjoyed social activities such as tailgating at Arrowhead Stadium and attending Kansas Jayhawks basketball games. He also pursued outdoor adventures, including skydiving and hiking in the Grand Canyon. Fishing trips to Mexico with friends were another favorite pastime.

As a father, he took pride in his three children. The family noted that some of his happiest moments involved taking them to Kansas City Chiefs games or simply spending time together. Being a dad was a central part of his life, and he cherished the memories created with his family.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 27, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event will take place at Johnson County Funeral Chapel & Memorial Gardens, located at 11200 Metcalf Avenue in Overland Park. Funeral services will follow the visitation. The family has requested that donations in lieu of flowers be sent to the Department of Philanthropy at Children’s Mercy Hospital, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64108.