Thomas, Alvina (Stancik)

Mrs. I. D. (Alvina) THOMAS,

Mrs. I. D. (Alvina) Thomas, of Columbus, Tx., died October 10, in a local hospital. Age 67. Born in Ellinger, Tx. Member of S.P.J.S.T. Lodge No. 88, in Houston. Survivors: husband, I. D. Thomas, Columbus; daughter, Mrs. Cecelia (Shug) Kollmann, Columbus; sister, Mrs. Anna Mae Frerichs, Houston; brother, Lawrence Stancik, Houston; 3 grandchildren, Mike Kollman, Janna Christoph, Laura Adcock, all of Columbus; and 6 great grandchildren. Funeral services Monday, October 13, at 2 p.m., at the First Baptist Church in Columbus, Tx. She will lie in state at the Henneke Funeral Home until 12:30 p.m. on Monday, and then at the church until service time. Burial will be in Oddfellows Rest Cemetery, the Rev. Henry Teems officiating. Pallbearers: Edgar Stancik, Mickey Stancik, Melvin Stancik, Wesley Kollmann, Milton Kollmann, Marvin Hillmer. Honorary pallbearers: nephews, Larry Stancik, Tim Stancik, Jerry Stancik, Gerald Frerichs, Al Wayne Radke.

Henneke Funeral Home, 638 Bonham, Columbus, Tx. 732-2143.

Newspaper - unknown, October 12, 1980
Submitted by Joyce Stancik

Thomas, Ann (Thomas)

LOVED WOMAN, CITIZEN HERE FOR FORTY YEARS, CALLED TO HOME ABOVE

A Great-Throng Attends Funeral Services Held For Mrs. G. E. Thomas, Sr., At the Methodist Church Tuesday Morning.

Mrs. G. E. Thomas, Sr., a citizen of the Eagle Lake community for forty years, passed away at her home in this city early Monday, after an extended illness.

Mrs. Thomas, who, as a girl was Ann Thomas, was born in Wales in 1859, and had she lived until the 22nd of this month would have been 79 years of age. She was married to Mr. Thomas, who survives her, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, in 1877, moving with the family to this community in 1898. The family located near Lissie where they continued to make their home until 1918, when they moved to Eagle Lake.

Mrs. Thomas was a splendid Christian woman, a dutiful wife and a kind and loving mother. Her wonderful traits of character, her love and Christian training which she gave to her children is resplendent in the five sons and four daughter, all reared to useful and honest citizens.

Mrs. Thomas was an untiring worker in matters of church, and was one of the charter members of the Lissie Evangelical Church, which was organized in 1906. She continued as a active member of the church until she was forced to retire on account of failing health.

Funeral services were held from the Methodist Church in Eagle Lake at ten-thirty Tuesday morning, at which time a great crowd of sympathizing friends came to pay respect to the remains of one they had loved, and to mingle their tears with the bitter tears of sorrowing loved ones. The funeral flowers were lovely and in great profusion, attesting the love and high esteem in which this good woman was held by a legion of friends throughout the entire community.

The services were conducted by Rev. C. Bunse of Bartlett, one of her former pastors at Lissie, who was assisted by Rev. J. W. Read, local Baptist pastor, Rev. Harry Huscher of Lissie and Rev. Frank E. Walker, minister-in-charge for Christ Episcopal Church.

Mrs. Thomas is survived by her husband, five sons, David, Armitt, Moses, G. E. Thomas, Jr., and W. M., all residents of this community, and four daughters, Mrs. Guy Heflin, of Dragoon, Arizona, Mrs. Ruth Powers of Temple; Mrs. Glen Sunderman of Eagle Lake and Mrs. Minnie Isenhower of Lissie. She is also survived by twenty-four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Six of her grandsons, Harold Thomas, Ralph Thomas, Robert Thomas, Billy Thomas, Jr., James Ray Thomas and Leslie Sunderman, were the pallbearers. [Interment in Eagle Lake Masonic Cemetery]

Eagle Lake Headlight, August 4, 1938
Submitted by Joyce Stancik

Thomas, Armit

Armit Thomas, Lissie Resident 63 Yrs., Passes Away

Armit Thomas, one of this community’s pioneer rice farmers and most respected citizens, passed on to his reward last Sunday morning at 8:45 o’clock in the Laughlin Hospital after a rather brief illness.

Mr. Thomas retired from active farming a number of years ago, but continued an active interest in agriculture and in the activities of the Lissie and Eagle Lake communities.

Mr. Thomas was born in Mahaska County, Iowa, on February 2, 1882, and passed his 79th birthday this year. He was the son of the late G. E. Thomas and Annie Thomas.

He came to the Lissie community with the Thomas family in 1898 and except for a few temporary absences he resided for most of his life in the Lissie community where he was prominently engaged in rice farming.

He was married to Miss Emma Tubbs at Lissie on March 13, 1920.

Funeral services were held at 4:00 p.m. Monday, July 24th from the Mill-Bauer Funeral Home Chapel where many, many friends and relatives gathered to pay final tribute to this loved one.

The Rev. Robert O. Tupper pastor of the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Lissie, officiated at the services and was assisted by the Rev. Clifford T. Wiese.

Miss Alyce Anderson rendered favorite hymns on the organ and accompanied Mrs. Dexter Anderson and Mrs. Jay Anderson as they sang, “The Old Rugged Cross”.

Interment was in the Lakeside Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were nephews; R. H. Thomas of Edna; J. R. Thomas, Harold Thomas Ralph Thomas, Raymond R. Thomas, Henry Sunderman, Leslie Sunderman and W. M. Thomas, Jr., of this city and David Sunderman of Victoria.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Emma Thomas; one foster son, James Edward Turner; and four grandchildren, Wayne, Terry, Larry and Patricia of Beaumont; four sisters: Mrs. Mary Jane Heflin of Lissie, Mrs. Ruth Powers of Temple, Mrs. Esther Sunderman of Eagle Lake, and Mrs. Minnie Isenhower of Lissie; three brothers, Mose, Griff and William, Sr. all of Eagle Lake. His parents and one brother, Dave preceded him in death. Also surviving are a large number of nieces and nephews.

Mr. Thomas had the admirable trait of becoming a true friend of every acquaintance. It is said that he never met a stranger and he respected every man regardless of his or her station in life.

He shall be dearly missed by loved ones and friends.

Eagle Lake Headlight, July 27, 1961
Submitted by Joyce Stancik

Thomas, Barbara Jean

Thomas

Barbara Jean Thomas, 60, of Eagle Lake, passed away Jan. 15, at the Rosenberg Health and Rehabili-tation Center in Rosenberg following an extended illness.

She was born in Matthews on Jan. 15, 1943 to Annie Bell and Robert Thomas Jr. and has been a resident of the area all her life. She graduated from E.H. Henry High School then Franklin Beauty of College. She led careers as a licensed beautician, owning and operating a beauty salon and as a nurse's aide.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Thomas Jr.; sister, Gladys Roy; brother, Donald Thomas; nephew, Kevin O'Neal Roy.

Survivors include her mother, Annie Bell Thomas of Eagle Lake; daughters, Eve Thomas and Trinita Thomas, both of Eagle Lake; sons, Troy Thomas and Derrick Thomas both of Eagle Lake; sisters, Annie Ruth Thomas, Dorothy Coats and Joyce Rhodes all of Eagle Lake, Bobbie Williams of Richmond and Melvina Matthews, of Houston; brothers, Robert Thomas and Patrick Hodges both of Eagle Lake; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild, other relatives and loved ones.

Funeral services were on Jan. 24, at Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Eagle Lake, with the Rev. Thomas Kuykendall, pastor, officiating. Burial followed at Union Hill Cemetery in Matthews. Friends and family are encouraged to send tributes to mem.com.

The Colorado County Citizen, January 28, 2004
Courtesy of The Citizen

Thomas, Belle (Harrell) Campbell

Mrs. Belle Thomas Dies In Longview

Mrs. Belle Harrell Thomas, much loved and long time Eagle Lake resident, died on December 25, 1977 in Longview, Texas where she had resided since 1967 at 721 S. Green Street.

Mrs. Thomas was born on May 31, 1898 in Geneva, Texas to Robert Henry Harrell and Doris Allen Harrell. She came to Eagle Lake in 1930, and for many years owned and operated Belle’s Beauty Shop here.

She is survived by her three children, Davis W. Campbell of Longview, Robert H. Campbell of Longview and Mary Hight Thomas of San Francisco, California; three grandchildren, Sandra C. Thomas of Raleigh, North Carolina, Robert R. Campbell, Jr. of Dallas and John R. Thomas of Eagle Lake; a brother, Jim Harrell of Longview; seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 27 at Mangum Funeral Home in Center, Texas, with graveside services at Sandhill Cemetery near Center. Officiating was the Rev. Dan Entwistle of Woodland Christian Church, Longview, Texas.

Pallbearers were Robert H. Campbell, Jr. of Dallas; John R. Thomas and Ralph Thomas of Eagle Lake; Charles E. Hineman and Terry Holland of Longview; and Paul Featherstone of Kilgore.

A memorial service honoring Mrs. Thomas will be held at the chapel of Mill-Bauer Funeral Home in Eagle Lake on Thursday, December 29 at 2:00 p.m. for family and friends.

Belle Thomas contributed much to the life of the Eagle Lake community during her long residency here. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Eagle Lake Headlight, December 29, 1977
Submitted by Joyce Stancik

Thomas, Bertha Elva (Fussell)

Mrs. Griff Thomas Laid To Final Rest Sunday

Citizens of the community were deeply saddened last week-end to learn of the death of Mrs. Griff Thomas, Jr., a resident of the Eagle Lake and Lissie communities for over fifty years. Although Mrs. Thomas had been in failing health for two years, her death came suddenly and as a shock to the community, at 10:30 last Friday morning in the Laughlin Hospital.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13th, from the chapel of the Mill-Bauer Funeral home. The Rev. Russell Moon, pastor of Colly Memorial Methodist Church, officiated. Mrs. C. H. Matthews rendered favorite hymns at the organ.

She was laid to final rest in the Masonic Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Jack Kemp and Ed Bergeron of Baton Rouge, La., Delbert Womach of Pasadena, Harold Thomas, Ralph Thomas, Raymond Thomas, W. M. Thomas, Jr. and Henry Sunderman of this city.

The family named as honorary pallbearers, R. P. Wilcox, C. L. Griffith, A. F. Wiese, M. M. Jones and D. R. Wintermann.

Mrs. Bertha Elva Thomas was born on June 2, 1895, in Covington, La., the daughter of J. A. and Mary Virginia Fussell. She spent her childhood in Louisiana and the remainder of her life in the Lissie and Eagle Lake communities. On August 26th, 1914, she and Griffith Edward Thomas, Jr. were united in marriage. The couple celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary just three weeks ago.

Surviving are her husband, Griffith Edward Thomas, Jr.; two sons, Robert H. Thomas of Edna and James R. Thomas of Eagle Lake; two sisters, Mrs. Emma Dell White of East Bernard and Mrs. Athlea Kemp of Baton Rouge, La.; one brother, B. D. Fussell of Eagle Lake; six grandchildren, Mrs. Judy Konzen, R. H. Thomas, Jr., Mrs. Patricia Frazier, Mrs. Cynthia Cheatham, Misses Linda and Marsha Thomas; six great-grandchildren, Judirae, John, Sandra, and Sherrie Konzen and Donna and David Frazier.

Mrs. Thomas was a member of Colly Memorial Methodist Church for thirty years and actively participated in activities of the church. She was also active in the Order of the Eastern Star, Garden Club and Study Club for many years.

She was a wonderful neighbor and friend, always interested in the needs and activities of her many, many friends and relatives. She shall be remembered by her loved ones and friends forever.

Eagle Lake Headlight, September 17, 1964
Submitted by Joyce Stancik

Thomas, Buck

WEIMAR LOCAL MATTERS

Buck Thomas, living near Borden, started to Columbus fhe morning of fhe 20th, in company with several others, to rhe circus, and was riding a bad, vicious horse. The horse made a break with him in the postoaks just west of Tom Oakes’ place, about six miles west of Columbus, and ran into the timber under a low limb of a tree, which Mr. Thomas undertook to shun but in dodging was struck across the forehead with such force, that when picked up was unconscious and lived only a few minutes. He was a bother of Henry Thomas, of this city, and son-in-law of Leander Walker, of Skull Creek.

[Interred in Pleasant Grove Cemetery]

Colorado Citizen, November 27, 1884

Thomas, Charles E.

Charles E. Thomas, 59, of Rock Island, passed away Friday, March 29, 1996, at 6:25 p.m. at MD Anderson Hospital, Houston. He was born on July 4, 1936, in Houston to Richard Earl and Bessie Mae Minter Thomas. Following high school, he served his country honorably with the U.S. Navy for six years of active and reserve duty. A distinguished career in specialty welding followed. For a number of years, he worked with Brown and Root throughout the U.S. and in foreign countries. A loving father, grandfather and son; he will be long remembered and missed by all. He as preceded in death by his father and his grandparents, Robert L and Esther Garvin Minter of Rock Island. Survivors include his mother of Rock Island; sons; Randy Thomas of La Grange, Richard Thomas of Basing, and Robert Thomas and wife Lisa of La Grange; three grandchildren, Tyler Ryan Thomas of Austin, and Taylor Elayne and Joshua Robert Thomas of La Grange; other relatives and loved ones. Funeral services were held Monday, April 1, from the Chapel of Dulany Funeral Home with Pastors Wes Jacobson and Nick Williams officiating. Interment followed in the Myrtle Cemetery, Rock Island. Dulany Funeral Home, Eagle Lake, was in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers were S.A. DeFoor. Norman Hooper, Bob Anderson, Carl Milentz, Max Rogers and Billy Mayes. Named honorary pallbearers were the members of the Rock Island Volunteer Fire Department. Sympathy is extended to the family in their loss.

Eagle Lake Headlight, April 4, 1996
Contributed by Patti Hall-Smith

Thomas, Charles F.

At his home in this city, with his wife and daughter, Miss Dora, at his bedside, death claimed the well-known retired school teacher and preacher,Charles Thomas, last Monday evening at 7:20.

Born in Thuringia, Germany, June 23, 1837, he lacked only two days of being 72 years old. When 20 years of age he emigrated to New York city, and ten years later married Miss Fredereika Hoppach, in New Jersey. In 1872 they came to Gonzales county, Texas, to make a fortune in the cultivation and production of cotton, only to find it a difficult task, and in 1874 removed to Colorado county, where the professor taught school with regularity until two years ago, when he was forced to retire on account of failing health. His last school was at Willows. [Interment in Columbus City Cemetery]

Weimar Mercury, July 2, 1909, page 1

Thomas, Clara Bell (Causey)

Mrs. Mose Thomas Funeral Rites Held Wednesday

While not unexpected, yet the death of Mrs. Mose Thomas brought sorrow and grief not only to her loved ones but to countless friends whose lives had been benefited by her noble Christian character.

Surrounded by those who held her near and dear, she passed quietly into dreamless sleep Monday morning about 8 o’clock. Her body rested in state at the Funeral Home until Wednesday afternoon, when funeral services were conducted at Colly Memorial Methodist Church at 2:30, with pastor, the Rev. N. H. Peterson of the Lissie Evangelical Church officiating.

Claribelle Thomas, the daughter of Rev. George W. and Lydia Causey, was born August 4, 1891, in Ennis, Texas.

The year following, she and her family moved to San Antonio, Texas, where they lived for twelve years. In 1906, she came with her family to Lissie where her father served as Pastor for the Evangelical Church.

After the death of her mother in 1908, Clara, at the age of sixteen began her services as mother to her younger brothers and sisters.

She was married to Mose Thomas of Lissie October 12, 1912. To this union five children were born, all of whom survive. They are Alice Mae now Mrs. Martin Hale, Ruth Thomas and Ralph Thomas of Eagle Lake, Harold W. Thomas of Lissie and Raymond Thomas, stationed in the U.S. Naval Hospital at San Diego. Four grandchildren also survive including Gayle and Donna Lu Thomas Sandra Thomas and William Alton Hale.

Two sisters, Miss Ruth Causey, Eagle Lake; Mrs. H. B. Curtis, Pasadena, California and two brothers Chas. and Ed Causey of Lissie are also left to mourn her loss. In February 1944 began an illness which lasted until her death. In paying tribute to her memory her pastor spoke feelingly and said:

“During this extended infirmity she continued to carry out her Master’s command to “Let your light so shine before men that they may see you good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven”. In spite of intense suffering she had a deep and abiding faith in her Savior which she passed on to her family and friends.

“She was a devoted wife and mother and always put her family’s interest first. She was a home maker and considered it her scared duty and highest privilege to serve her home. “Her sympathic nature and her spirit of humility were among her outstanding qualities. Among family and friends she thought of herself least. No service was too insignificant nor too unnoticeable to present her joy in doing it and thus making the way smoother and happier for those privileged to be near her. Her sympathetic heart searched out and gathered in the trouble of those she loved in her to make the load of carrying them easier for others. Hers was a nature that could not be imposed upon because each duty became a service of love.

“In early youth and under the ministry of her father she accepted Christ as her Savior and became active in Christ’s work. While still a young girl she assisted her father in evangelistic services with her beautiful singing. This talent she used freely for God’s glory throughout her life. She has been a member of the Lissie Evangelical Church since her childhood and was a charter member of the Women’s Missionary Society of Lissie and was an active member until her illness.

“Her loss shall be keenly felt, most of all by her family whose complete devotion to her during her illness proved their very loving understanding with her of each other, which understanding was born out of years of mutual sharing. Her physical loss to us is hers and her Master’s gain"

Rev. J. W. Griffin of the Methodist Church assisted in the impressive funeral rites. A select choir of ladies voices consisted of Madams O. W. Westmoreland, J. H. Cosgrove, T. P. Doole, J. W. Griffin, Emanuel Roos, G. W. Oliver, J. M. Chumney, J. W. Brisbois, A. P. McNiel, Miss Ophelia Johnson.

Eagle Lake Headlight, January 12, 1945
Submitted by Joyce Stancik

Thomas, David

Eagle Lake Items

A difficulty occurred last Friday night on Capt. Dunovant’s plantation between Lorrel Washington and David Thomas in which the latter was shot through the body with a Winchester rifle, from the effects of which he died the next night. After the shooting Washington came to town and gave himself up to Constable J R. Strahan, and was conveyed to Columbus to await his trial. [Place of interment unknown]

Colorado Citizen, August 23, 1888

Thomas, David “Dave”

Funeral Services Held Monday For Dave Thomas

The Eagle Lake and Lissie communities mourn the death of a long-time resident of this area, David Thomas, who passed away at 6:15 a.m. Sunday in Laughlin Hospital after a serious illness of seven months.

Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Monday afternoon, February 18th from the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Lissie. The Rev. A. J. Miller, pastor of the church officiated at the services and music was furnished by Ed Causey, Mrs. Jay Anderson and Mrs. Dexter Anderson accompanied by Mrs. Joe Anderson.

Interment was in Lakeside Cemetery of Eagle Lake. Serving as pallbearers were Henry Sunderman, Leslie Sunderman, Dexter Anderson, Milton J. Anderson, J. L. Adkins, Edgar Adkins, Howard Wiese, and Melvin Hayden. Mill-Bauer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

David Thomas, known affectionately throughout the area to his many, many friends, as Dave Thomas, was born March 8th, 1878 in Beacon, Iowa, to Griffeth Edward and Annie Thomas. He would have passed his 79th birthday next month.

He came with the Thomas family to Texas on January 1, 1898, where they settled in the Lissie area. He was married on December 12, 1906 to Elsie M. Cutler in Chesterville.

The family moved to the Eagle Lake area in September of 1921 and lived here since. He was engaged in rice farming, was an employee of Universal Motor Company for eleven years, and more recently was employed by Lakeside Irrigation Company for fourteen years. He was hospitalized on July 27th, 1956 and spent the remainder of his life in the hospital.

His wife, ever by his bedside, and he celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in the hospital last December 12th.

Surviving are: his wife, Mrs. Elsie M. Thomas; three daughters, Mrs. Irene Rutherford of Waco, Mrs. Thelma Adams of Houston; and Mrs. Ada Cook of Eagle Lake; six grandchildren, Bernie D. Rutherford, Gloria Rutherford, George Earl Adams, David, Robert, Jr., and Karen Cook; three great grandchildren, William Oliver, Barbara Ann and Gerald Wayne Rutherford.

Also surviving are: four brothers, Armit Thomas, Lissie and Mose Griff and W. M. Thomas, Sr., Eagle Lake; and four sisters Mrs. Mary Jane Heflin and Mrs. Minnie Isenhower, Lissie; Mrs. Ruth Powers, Temple and Mrs. Esther Sunderman, Eagle Lake; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Mr. Thomas was a devout Christian and attended the Lissie Church from the time it was organized. He was ever conscious of the needs of his family and friends and bestowed them with his love and understanding through so many years. Friends throughout the area offer sympathy to the family in the loss of their beloved one

Eagle Lake Headlight, February 21, 1957
Submitted by Joyce Stancik

Thomas, Della Mae (Wickham)

Services Today at 11 A.M. for Mrs. W M Thomas, Sr.

The community was saddened this week to learn of the sudden death of Mrs. W. M. Thomas, Sr. who died at the Laughlin Hospital at 8:00 a.m. Wednesday morning after only a short illness. She became ill Sunday and was taken to Laughlin Hospital where she remained in critical condition until her untimely death.

Services will be held this morning, Thursday, October 27th, at 11:00 o'clock at the Colly Memorial Methodist Church. Interment will follow in the Masonic Cemetery. The Rev. Harold S. Goodenough, pastor of Colly Church will officiate at services. Serving as pallbearers will be six nephews, Leslie and Henry Sunderman, Harold, Ralph, J. R. and Dr. R. R. Thomas. Mill-Bauer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Della Mae Wickham was born on October 7th, 1899 to J. P. and Josephine Wickham in Temple, Texas. On July 26th, 1922 she married W. M Thomas in Temple where the family resided until 1936 when they moved to this community. Since then they [sic] family hgs[sic] won a prominent spot in the community. Mrs. Thomas' pleasant disposition and friendly smile made her a friend of each acquaintance.

She was a faithful member of the Methodist Church and a devoted wife and mother. She was a member of the Eagle Lake Order of the Eastern Star. With her husband, she was prominent in affairs of the Texas Flying Farmers Association and won friends in Texas and neighboring states in association with that organization.

Surviving to mourn the loss of their loved one are: her husband, William M. Thomas, Sr., one daughter, Mrs. Jo Ann Voskamp of Rockdale, Texas; one son, W. M. Thomas, Jr., of this city; one brother, T. M. Wickham of Temple; and three grandchildren.

Eagle Lake Headlight, October 27, 1955

Thomas, Donys F. (Snyder)

Thomas

Funeral services for Mrs. Donys F. Thomas, 75, were held Friday from the Dulany Funeral Home of Eagle Lake with Rev. George Welsch officiating. Burial was held at the Masonic Cemetery, of Eagle Lake. Mrs. Thomas passed away November 5 at the Columbus Community Hospital following a sudden illness.

She was born, March 12, 1910 in Minneapolis, Kansas to Joseph Snyder and Mary Lukebill Snyder. She was a former resident of Wharton, moving to Eagle Lake in 1955. She had been a resident of Sweetbriar Nursing Home in Columbus for the past three years. She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church of Eagle Lake.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William Thomas, Sr. in 1977; her son, William "Billy" Thomas, Jr. in 1984; also preceded by a half-sister, Mrs. Corine Rich.

Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Joe Ann Voskamp, Austin. daughter-in-law, Mrs. Doris Thomas, Eagle Lake; grandchildren, Wayne Voskamp, Houston, Susan Mobley, Austin; Tom Voskamp, Midland; Kitty and Temple Thomas of Eagle Lake; six great grand-children, two nieces and two nephews and other relatives and loved ones.

Pallbearers were: Temple Thomas, Wayne Voskamp, Tom Voskamp, Henry Sunderman, Raymond Thomas, MD, and Roy Mobley.

Colorado County Citizen, November 14, 1985

Thomas, Dora J.

Miss Dora J. Thomas

Miss Dora J. Thomas passed to her reward early Saturday morning as quietly as she had lived. Born in Weimar on October 18, 1886, as the daughter of Prof. and Mrs. Charles Thomas, she spent the greater part of her life teaching in Colorado and Austin Counties. Since 1907 she lived in Columbus and came to be a familiar figure on its streets. She passed away on August 9th after an illness of only little over a week.

Miss Dora, as she was familiarly called, endeared herself to all who knew her but especially to the members of the local Lutheran Church. She could always be depended upon to play the organ. She never failed to be on hand to teach her class in Sunday School. She was always a willing worker in the Ladies Aid Society. Faithfulness in all things was her outstanding character trait. Though she was a teacher in the schools of the counties, she taught even more by her example than by precept…she thaught grown folks as well as children in that way.

Mrs. Louise Hundt of Houston, the sister who attended her in her last illness, Dr. C. E. Thomas, the brother in St. Joseph, Mo., and Mr. Louis Hundt, a nephew living in Hobbs, New Mexico, are her only living relatives; but the number of those who mourn her departure is much greater.

Funeral services were conducted at the Lutheran Church on August 10th at 4 p.m., Rev. W. A. Flachmeier officiating. "Saved by Grace," was the thought running through his address and expressed in the anthem of the choir. It reflected the humble faith of the departed. As the casket was carried out of the church, it was followed by the members of Miss Dora's Sunday School class. Interment was made in the City Cemetery on the family lot. Beautiful floral offerings literally covered the grave. Those flowers will wither; but her memory will live long in the hearts of those who knew her.

The Colorado County Citizen, Aug 14, 1930
Transcribed by Dennis Boatright

Thomas, Earl

Colored Resident Of Judyville Is Buried at Glidden

Funeral services were held in Glidden Sunday, June 10, for Earl Thomas, 73, colored resident of Judyville, a settlement between Rock Island and Sheridan, who died of a heart attack June 2. [Interment in Shepard Memorial Cemetery]

Earl had worked for the white people of the area most of his life. His wife, Minnie; 2 sons, Earl and Dan, and a sister, Bettie Moore, survive.

Colorado County Citizen, June 14, 1958, page 8

Thomas, Edward

Thomas

Edward “Daddy Ed” Thomas, 90, of Columbus died Friday, Sept. 8, 1995 at his home.

Born Nov. 27, 1904 in Colorado County, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Thomas Sr. He attended public schools in Columbus, and in 1925, he married Ethel Lee Perry. Mr. Thomas had been a member of St. Paul Methodist Church in Columbus since 1953. He was employed by the Columbus Independent School District in the maintenance department from 1947-1971 and was active in community activities.

Funeral services were held Sept. 12 at St. Paul Methodist Church and Rev. Eugene Thomas Jr. officiating. Interment followed in Willing Workers Cemetery in Columbus. Ben Davis Funeral Home, Columbus, was in charge of arrangements.

Serving as pallbearers were grandsons of Mr. Thomas. Honorary pallbearers were Darnell Thomas, Louis James Thomas Jr., Captain Leon Thomas Jr., Wayne Thomas, James Thomas, Michael Thomas and Hal Thomas.

Mr. Thomas is survived by his children, Rev. Eugene Thomas Sr. and wife Lillie Mae of Columbus, Louis James Thomas Sr. and wife Eldora of Houston, Charles Ray Thomas and wife Delia of Aurora, Colo., Catherine Petit of Austin and Hazel Edward and husband Charles of Houston; two brothers, Manuel Thomas and Willie Thomas, both of Houston; sisters-in-law, Mrs. Novell Adams and Luvenia Connor, both of Columbus, 17 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, four brothers and three sisters.

Colorado County Citizen, August 20, 1995, page 16

Thomas, Ellie (Hunter)

The life of a grand, good woman was ended last Friday afternoon at 5:3O, when Death stopped In and claimed

Mrs. Ellie Hunter, the beloved wife of Rev. S. W. Thomas of Richmond, and stepdaughter of Colonel John T. Holman of this city, her death occurring, after an eight weeks' Illness, in the latter named city. Mrs. Thomas was a sweet, chiristian woman, one of those characters whom to know was to love. She was for many years and up to the time of her death, a consistent, useful member of the Methodist church, and her deeds of charity and love have filled many, many pages of that great book presided over by the recording angel. Mrs. Thomas bore her suffering with great fortitude, It in Indeed a consolation to those who watched over the bedside to know that no desire of her's was left ungratified. Her remains were brought here last Saturday afternoon and were interred In the Weimar cemetery at 5:30. Many hearts beat In saddened unison over the death of Mrs. Thomas, who lived here for many years, and for whom our people had a strong admiration. Our sincere and heartfelt sympathy goes out to the bereaved husband. relatives and friends.

Weimar Mercury, March 31, 1900, page 4

Thomas, Elsie May (Cutler)

Rites Held For Mrs. Dave Thomas Thurs.

Eagle Lake community was greatly saddened last week to learn of the death of Mrs. Dave (Elsie) Thomas, who passed away in the Eagle Lake Community Hospital at 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20th after a long illness.

Mrs. Thomas had been a resident of the Heritage House for the past three and one half years.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. last Thursday, December 22, 1977 from the chapel of the Mill-Bauer Funeral Home with the Rev. Carl Garner, pastor of the Lissie United Methodist Church, officiating.

Her body was placed to a final rest in Lakeside Cemetery, beside her husband who preceded her in death on Feb. 17, 1957. Serving as pallbearers were: Edgar Adkins, Lloyd Spalinger, Allen D. Cassady, Jay Anderson, Arthur Anderson and Henry Sunderman.

Favorite hymns were played on the organ by Mrs. Johnnie Schmidt.

Mrs. Elsie May Cutler Thomas was born August 31, 1888 in Brockton, Illinois, the daughter of William Logan and Aura M. Cutler. The Cutler family moved to the Chesterville community in the early 1900’s where Mr. Cutler was a farmer.

Miss Elsie May Cutler was united in marriage with David Thomas on December 12, 1906 in the Chesterville community. The couple celebrated their fiftieth anniversary in 1956 when he was confined to the hospital and he died a few months later. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas came to the Eagle Lake community in September of 1921 when he was employed at Universal Motor Co. and later worked for fourteen years with the Lakeside Irrigation Co. before retiring.

A long time member of the Lissie Church, she taught many of the young people who grew up in this community. She was a devout Christian and gave so much time and interest to her neighbors and friends. Through her lifetime she was an artist at handiwork.

She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. C. A. (June) Rutherford of Jonesboro, Texas, Mrs. E. S. (Thelma) Adams, and Mrs. R. L. (Ada) Cook of Eagle Lake, son-in-law C. A. Rutherford; six grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; and three great great grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1957, her parents, a sister Bertha Smith, and four brothers, Homer, Walter, Willis and Jesse.

Deepest sympathy is extended to the family in their great loss.

A large number of out of town relatives and friends were present to pay final tribute to Mrs. Thomas.

Out-of-town relatives attending the service were Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Rutherford and Mrs. Elmer Mayberry of Jonesboro; Mr. and Mrs. George E. Adams and Stephen of Houston; Mrs. Henry Aguierre of Port Lavaca; Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Barrington and son of Spring; Mr. and Mrs. Dick Alphin of Port Arthur; Mr. and Mrs. Boyd Cutler of Toledo Bend; Mr. and Mrs. David Cook, Elaine and Wes of Oxford, Miss.; and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Ray Beken and family of Weimar.

Eagle Lake Headlight December 29, 1977
Submitted by Joyce Stancik

Thomas, Emma (Tubbs)

Mrs. Emma Tubbs Thomas
November 21, 1897 – March 11, 1990

Mrs. Emma Tubbs Thomas, 92, of Lissie, died Sunday, March 11, 1990 at the Eagle Lake Community Hospital following a brief illness. She was born in Wallis on November 21, 1897, a daughter of Berry and Fannie Stanfield Tubbs, the oldest of nine children. After living in Herford (West Texas) for a short time, the family returned to Wallis when Emma was three years old. The family moved to Chesterville in 1902 where, except for two short intervals, they lived from then on. Emma was married on March 13, 1920 to Armit Thomas of Lissie.

A member of the Lissie United Methodist Church where in earlier years she served both as musician and in the youth and children’s work. Known to many as “Aunt Emma” or “Mrs. Emma”, her home became a second home for the youth of that time. In many ways, her passing marks both the end and the beginning of an age. She lived her life span of more than 92 years from the “horse n’ buggy” days into the space age. Her remarkable memory has been a source of information and interest to all those who sought to know. She loved the out of doors and it pleased her to work side by side, first with her father and then her husband, in the springtime or harvest at whatever was needed. Even with her failing eyesight and aching bones of the later years, it was on the last two years that she gave up her small garden.

She was preceded in death by her husband, July 23, 1961; her parents; three brothers, Leroy, Alton and Clinton Tubbs; two sisters, Mrs. Linnie Lee and Mrs. Bessie Brown.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Edward and Betty Turner of Beaumont; two sisters, Mrs. Rosalie Myers of Seabrook and Mrs. Ruth Overturff of Porter; a brother, Raymond Tubbs of Houston; two grandchildren, Wayne Turner of Pennsylvania and Larry Turner, Terry Gonzales and Patricia Fracht, all of Beaumont; 12 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 13 at 2 p.m. from the Dulany Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Richard Eifert, pastor of Lissie United Methodist Church, officiating. Mrs. Gay Anderson was soloist and Mrs. Alice Schmidt served as organist. Burial followed at Lakeside Cemetery in Eagle Lake.

Pallbearers were Jay and Arthur Anderson, Dan Gertson, Edward Sunderman, Fin Fliming, Jerry N. Crane.

Sympathy is extended to the family in their loss.

Eagle Lake Headlight, March 15, 1990
Submitted by Joyce Stancik

Thomas, Ethel Lee (Perry)

Ethel Lee Thomas

Funeral services for Ethel Lee Thomas, 76, were held Saturday afternoon at the First Church of the Nazarene.  Rev. Robert Bedford officiated.  Interment was in Willing Workers Cemetery under the arrangement of the Ben Davis Funeral Home.  Thomas died Wednesday.

She was born July 19, 1905, the fourth child of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Perry.  She attended public school in Colorado County and joined the First Church of the Nazarene, where she remained a member until her death.  She married Edward Thomas in 1925, with whom she had six children: four sons and two daughters. 

Thomas is survived by her husband, Edward Thomas of Columbus; four sons, Rev. Eugene Thomas Sr. and Leon Thomas Sr., both of Columbus, Louis James Thomas of Houston and Charles Ray Thomas of Aurora, Colo.; a foster son, Emmit Thomas Jr. of Houston; two daughters, Catherine Petit of Austin and Hazel Edwards of Houston; four sisters, Veola Price, ora Murray, Luvenia Connor, all of Columbus, and Novell Adams of San Antonio; 17 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Thomas’ grandsons served as pallbearers at the funeral:  Eugene Thomas Jr., Darnell Thomas, Louis James Thomas Jr., Leon Thomas Jr., James Thomas, Richard Thomas, Michael Thomas Harold Thomas and Wayne Thomas.

The Colorado County Citizen, November 26, 1981, Pg. 2
Transcribed by David Hahn

Thomas, Frank E,

E. Lake Man Charged in Knife Death

Larry Allen Thomas, 56, was indicted by the grand jury Monday for murder in the fatal stabbing of a distant cousin, Frank Thomas, 27, also of Eagle Lake, during an argument at about 3 a.m. Saturday, April 12.

A doctor at Eagle Lake Hospital said the man bled to death after a knife punctured the aorta, the big vessel that carries blood from he heart to all parts of the body.

He had been taken to the hospital by private car and was dead on arrival.

Justice of the Peace M. M Jones ordered an autopsy. [Interment in Rising Star Cemetery]

Deputy Sheriff Keith Riehs was investigating a reported disturbance at the Eagle Lake address when Eagle Lake Police Chief got a call from the hospital that a man had been brought in with a fatal stab wound.

The exact nature of the argument was not immediately clear, but some of the 11 other persons present at the home when the fight took place said it was a continuation of an earlier family argument.

Thomas, who was arrested at his home, was placed under $20,000 bond.

Weimar Mercury, April 17, 1980

Thomas, Gayle Wesley

Gayle Wesley Thomas
July 17, 1936 – April 20, 1997

Gayle Wesley Thomas, 60, of Eagle Lake, passed away at 6:44 p.m. Sunday, April 20, 1997, at Rice Medical Center following a sudden illness.

He was born July 17, 1936, in Wharton County to Harold Wesley and Inez Charlene Obenhaus Thomas.

Gayle was a lifelong resident of this area, living in Eagle Lake most of his life. He was a graduate of Eagle lake High School with the Class of 1954.

He received his B.S.Degree from Texas A & I University in 1958.

Gayle was a fourth generation rice farmer and rancher in the Eagle Lake area and a member of the Colley Memorial Methodist Church, now known as Eagle Lake United Methodist Church, for almost 50 years.

He was a member of the Colorado County farm Bureau; coached Little League baseball and was an avid hunter and sportsman.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Gayle is survived by his wife, Phyllis Johnson Thomas of Eagle Lake; a daughter, Gaye Lynn Thomas; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Sherry Thomas of Eagle Lake; and granddaughters, Jessica, Lindsey, Katlyn and Mallory Thomas of Eagle Lake.

He is also survived by his sister, Donna Lou Kelly of Houston; mother-in-law, Mrs. H. C. “Freda” Johnson of Eagle Lake; brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Franc Ann Johnson of Eagle Lake; sister-in-law, Judith Jarvis of Leavenworth, Kansas; nephews, Thomas Kelly and wife, Victoria, of Houston, Timothy Kelly of Carrizo Springs; Trenton Kelly of Houston, Bruce Johnson, Jr. and wife Roberta of Eagle Lake, and Paul Jarvis of Leavenworth Kansas; niece, Kelly Jarvis of Denton; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and loved ones.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, April 23, at 11 a.m. from the Chapel of Dulany Funeral Home in Eagle Lake with Rev. Barry Bauerschlag, pastor of Eagle Lake United Methodist Church, officiating.

Personal reflections and eulogy were presented by his uncle, Dr. Raymond R. Thomas of Eagle Lake.

Interment followed in the Masonic Cemetery, Eagle Lake.

Dulany Funeral Home of Eagle Lake was in charge of arrangements.

Serving as pallbearers were Ross and Gary Obenhaus, Billy Cook, Michael and Gary Rucka and Louis Epps.

Named honorary pallbearer were Johnny Kaluza, Lonnie Sommerlatte, Robert L. Cook, Jr., Robby Cook, Jack Dannels, Mike V. Duarte and Herbert Kavazos.

The family request memorials be made to the Eagle Lake United Methodist Church, 609 Melody Lane, Eagle Lake, Texas 77434; or to your favorite charity.

Sympathy is extended to the family in their loss.

Eagle Lake Headlight, April 24, 1997
Submitted by Joyce Stancik

Thomas, Griffith Edward Jr.

Prominent Rice Grower Griff Thomas, Jr. Dies At Age 87

Relatives and friends learned with great sadness of the death of Griff E. Thomas, Jr., a long-time resident of this area and a prominent pioneer rice farmer in the Eagle Lake community. Mr. Thomas closed his eyes to a peaceful rest last Saturday morning, October 3, 1981, in the Eagle Lake Community Hospital. He had been in failing health for the past year.

Griffith Edward Thomas, Jr. was born in Dedham, Iowa, on December 13, 1893, the son of G. E. Thomas, Sr., and Annie Thomas. He had lived in the Lissie and Eagle Lake communities for over eighty years.

The G. E. Thomas family came to Texas by immigrant train car when he was only five years old, arriving in the Wallis community on January 1, 1893. It is noted in the family history that there were no fences or roads at that time and the family drove their wagons across the prairies to the old Thomas homeplace which is now the M. E. Isenhower home near Lissie.

Griff Thomas, Jr. attended school in the Thomas School on the corner of the Thomas farm. After completing grade school, he later married Bertha Fussell Thomas, who passed away September 11, 1964. They family moved to Eagle Lake on Prairie Street and he farmed rice in this area for over fifty-five years before retiring.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Eagle Lake; was a 50-year member of the Eagle Lake Lodge No. 366, A.F.& A.M.; past president of the Eagle Lake School Board; and was noted for his work in many civic and agricultural affairs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, three sisters, his first wife, and a son, Robert H. Thomas, who died on December 22, 1977.

Survivors include his wife of over sixteen years, Mrs. Lora Baring Thomas; a son James R. (Jimmie) Thomas and wife, Evelyn, of Eagle Lake; a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Robert H. (Lela) Thomas of Edna; a sister, Mrs. Esther Sunderman of Eagle Lake; also, grandchildren, Mrs. W. R. (Judy) Konzen of Ganado, Mrs. James E. (Patricia) Braunholz of Edna, Hunter Thomas of Edna, Mrs. Mike (Cindy) Cheatham of West Monroe, Louisiana, Mrs. Steve (Linda) Balas of Eagle Lake, Mrs. Carl (Marsha) Kallina of Garwood; also seventeen great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

Last Rites Held Sunday

Final rites for Mr. Thomas were held from the chapel of the Mill-Bauer Funeral Home in Eagle Lake at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 4, 1981, with the Rev. Charles Runk, minister of the United Methodist Church in Eagle Lake, officiating.

The body was placed to a final resting place in the Masonic Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were nephews: Harold Thomas, Ralph Thomas, Dr. R. R. Thomas W. M. Thomas, Jr., Henry Sunderman, all of Eagle Lake and David Sunderman of Victoria.

Mr. Thomas was loved and respected by all who came to know him through his kind and gentle manner, yet filled with wit and the love of life. He shall be remembered forever by all who came to know and love him. Friends join in extending deepest sympathy to the family in the loss of this loved one.

Eagle Lake Headlight, February 8, 1981
Submitted by Joyce Stancik

Thomas, Griffith Edward

G. E. Thomas, Sr., Passes Away Tues. Nite; Services Friday AM.

Death came swiftly and suddenly to G. E. Thomas, Sr., one of this community’s oldest and most beloved citizens. Mr. Thomas (Grandpa Thomas_ as he was known to everyone, died at 8:30 o’clock Tuesday evening, January 4th as he would have wished, without causing undue hardship and anxiety to his family and friends. He died of a heart attack while playing cards with his son at his home here and death was almost instantaneous. Had he lived until April 16th he would have reached the ripe age of 98 years. He was born Griffith Edward Thomas in Aberdere, South Wales on April 16, 1857.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 o’clock Friday morning, January 7th at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Lissie, Texas. Interment will be in the Masonic Cemetery in Eagle Lake, with Mill Bauer Funeral Home officiating. Until time for services his body will lie in state at the funeral home.

Services were delayed until Friday morning in order that his grandson from Arizona might reach here fulfilling one of his requests before his death to have his grandsons as pallbearers.

Survivors include: four daughters, Mrs. M. E. Isenhower and Mrs. G. B. Heflin of Lissie; Mrs. E. b. Powers of temple; and Mrs. Glen Sunderman of Eagle Lake; five sons, Armit of Lissie, and Dave, Moses, Griff, Jr. and W. M. Thomas, Sr. all of Eagle Lake, and a host of other relatives.

Due to the full life enjoyed by Mr. Thomas, a full obituary will be delayed until next week when the fullness and beauty of the life of this patriarch of the Eagle Lake and Lissie communities will be described in ful

Memorial Fund Started for G. E. Thomas, Sr.

Members of the family of the late Griff E. Thomas, Sr., have requested the Headlight to announce that a “G. E. Thomas, Sr. Memorial Fund” has been started at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Lissie.

All friends interested in adding to the fund rather than in sending flowers are invited to send their memorials to the G. E. Thomas Sr. Memorial Fund, Lissie Church, Lissie, Texas.

Eagle Lake Headlight, January 6, 1955
Transcribed by Judy Talkington

Many Friends, Relatives Pay Tribute To G. E. Thomas, Sr. Friday

A host of friends and relatives gathered at Evangelical United Brethren Church in Lissie to pay their final respects to Griffith Edward Thomas, Sr., 97 who passed away while playing cards with his son at his home here last Tuesday, January 4th. The Rev. Paul E. Reger, pastor of the Lissie Church, the Rev. D. Rhea Allison, pastor of Colly Memorial Methodist Church and the Rev. N. H. Peterson of Post Oak Church officiated at services at 10 a.m. last Friday.

Miss Jean Causey played a prelude of favorite hymns and accompanied her father, Ed Causey, who sang “Saved by Grace”.

Interment was made in Masonic Cemetery with Mill-Bauer Funeral Home officiating with ten grandsons serving as pallbearers. They were: Harold, Robert H., Ralph, James R., W. M., Jr., and Dr. Raymond Thomas, Tom Heflin; and Leslie, Henry and David Sunderman.

Griffith Edward Thomas, better known to his many relatives and friends as “Grandpa” Thomas, was born in Alberdere South Wales to Griffith and Mary Thomas on April 16, 1857.

He came to America from Wales at the age of four years with his parents and one brother and settled in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The family moved to Beacon, Iowa, in 1876 and he worked in the coal mines in that area and later went into farming. The family moved to Texas on January 1, 1898, and settled on a farm near Lissie where he became one of the first farmers of the rice industry. He watered his rice from wells he put down on his own land and later put down many wells throughout the surrounding community for farmers.

In later years he sold all his farming equipment, hogs, cattle, etc., at auction and retired in 1918 moving to Eagle Lake. In another year be built a new home next to Christ Episcopal Church where he lived until his death. Mrs. Thomas preceded him in death in 1938.

He was a charter member of the Lissie Evangelical Church, later changed to Evangelical United Brethren and remained a loyal and faithful member to the end.

He lived a long, full life and reached the age of 97 years and had he lived until April he would have been 98 years.

His nine children, five sons, Dave, Armit, Mose,Griff and William and four daughters, Mrs. Mary Jane Heflin, Mrs. Ruth Powers, Mrs. Esther Sunderman and Mrs. Minnie Isenhower and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren were present for the services. Survivors include twenty-four grandchildren, thirty-eight great grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

W. C. Reed wrote in the Rotary Eagle of his long-time friend, “Big Boy” Thomas this week saying, “his picture hangs in the local Masonic hall although he was never a Mason. For many years and until his eyesight became so bad he couldn’t drive his early model Ford car any more, he supervised the care and upkeep of the Masonic Cemetery. He had set there just about all the trees you see there now. He said those trees could be his monument, that they would drink up the excess subsoil moisture and ‘more than that’ he told me once, ‘many members of my family and many of my friends and I will eventually rest in their shade’.

“This life was not just long, it was also full, an inspiration to his to his family and his friend. If life could be likened to a cup of coffee, we could say he drank it to the last drop and found it all good. If life could be likened to a watered sponge, we could say he squeezed if until it could drip no more.

“Now he rests under the shade of the trees.”

Out-of-town relatives were Thomas Heflin of Winslow, Ariz; Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Powers of Temple; Mrs. Earl Adams and son, George of Houston; Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Rutherford and daughter, Gloria of Port Lavaca; Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Thomas and Judy; Hunter and Patricia of Edna; Mr. and Mrs. Earl Voskamp and children of Rockdale; David Sunderman of Victoria; Mrs. Ozzie Vanna of Waco; Mrs. Martin Hale of Mason; Mrs. Leonard Seaholm of Athens; Mrs. Alice Ball of Trenton, N.J.; Capt. A. C. Thomas of Riverside, Calif., a nephew and son of his brother, Armit Thomas, who passed away two months ago at his home in Scranton, Pa., at the age of 95.

Out-of-town friends were Mr. and Mrs. John Land; Mr. and Mrs. L. O. Clark of Temple; Mrs. H. S. White of East Bernard; Mr. and Mrs. B. D. Fussell of Columbus; Mr. and Mrs. Edward Turner of Beaumont; Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Brisbois of Edna; H.A. Cutler and Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Cutler of Beaumont; Rev. and Mrs. C. E. Marshall of Cuero; Theo Segelquist of Alvin; J. R. Reed and son, Jimmy of El Campo; Mrs. F. M. Collier of Beaumont; Clanton Tubbs and Mrs. A. W. Tubbs and father, Joe Wrankee of Houston; Clem C. Boettcher of East Bernard and others whose names are not available, and a great many Eagle Lake and Lissie friends.

Eagle Lake Headlight, January 13, 1955
Submitted by Joyce Stancik

Thomas, C. W. Rev.

San Marcos, Hays Co., Texas., July 7, Rev. C. W. Thomas died yesterday, aged 79 yeas. Deceased came to Texas in 1844 and was a member of the Texas Methodist conference when there was but one in the state. He was president of Rutersville college in the days of the republic. He wa buried today in the presence of a large assemblage of relatives and friends. [He served in Colorado County where he was known as the war horse of the Methodist Church.]

Weimar Mercury, July 13, 1895

Thomas, Harold Wesley

Former Mayor Harold W. Thomas Dies

One of Eagle Lake’s most prominent civic and community leader Ts and veteran rice farmer, rancher and agriculturist, Harold W. Thomas, 73, died at Southwest Memorial Hospital in Houston at 6:30 a.m., November 2, bringing to an end a brilliant life of dedication and leadership. Mr. Thomas succumbed following a long illness complicated by pneumonia. His death brought great sadness to his family and relatives and to friends and associates locally and throughout the state and nation. He formerly served for fifteen years as mayor of the City of Eagle Lake, and at the time of his demise was a member of the Texas Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service committee.

Last rites were held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, November 4 from the Dulany Funeral Home in Eagle Lake. Conducting the services were the Rev. George Welsch, rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Eagle Lake and the Rev. Cotton Timmons of Bryan. Assisting in the services was close friend, former city manager T. J. Smith of Eagle Lake.

His body was placed to final rest in the Lakeside Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Raymond Waddell, Bruce Waddell, Alvin Wiese, Clifford Evoritt, W. C. Alley and Rand Grieves of Eagle Lake; Dr. Cecil Marburger of Columbus, and Chester Kiefer of Uvalde. The family named as honorary pallbearers: M. M. Jones, Bill Harrison, Sr., Dr. Maxwell Goodloe, Ben Roshton, Bill Lehrer, David Wintermann, Bill Shuart, Jack Johnson, T. J. Smith, Sam Davidson, Tommy Pilkington, Cal Gertson, R. R. Wells, John Matthews, Al Lester, Fred Frnka, and member of the ASCS state committee.

Surviving to mourn the loss of this loved one are his wife for over fifty-two years, Mrs. Inez Obenhaus Thomas; a daughter, Donna Lou Kelley of Houston; a son, Gayle Thomas of Eagle Lake; two sisters, Alice Mae Hale of Kerrville and Ruth Seaholm of Dallas; two brothers, Ralph “Rusty” Thomas and Dr. Raymond R. Thomas of Eagle Lake; five grandchildren, Michael Thomas of Houston, Gaye Lynn Thomas of Eagle Lake, and Thomas, Tim and Trent Kelley of Conroe; and a great granddaughter, Jessica Thomas of Houston; and a host of nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

Born in Lissie

Harold Wesley Thomas was born August 19, 1913 in Lissie, the son of Moses and Clara Belle Causey Thomas. He attended school for a short time in Lissie, then moved with the family at an early age to Eagle Lake. He attended Eagle Lake public schools and graduated from Eagle Lake High School with the Class of 1932. He was united in marriage with Inez Obenhaus on November 19, 1933, in Richmond.

Harold began the lifelong professions of rice farming and ranching after his graduation and was successful in these endeavors for fifty-three years, retiring from active farming, ranching and operation of the Thomas Rice Dryer at the end of the 1985 rice season.

In addition to his participation in the field of agriculture, Mr. Thomas found time to participate actively in many, many fields of endeavor. Prominent among these was an outstanding tenure of fifteen years as Mayor of the City of Eagle Lake in terms from 1950 to 1960 and from 1964 to 1969. During those terms, Mayor Thomas led the city administration through many improvements, including additions to the airport, water and sewer systems, garbage department, streets, municipal building and many more.

In 1958, Mayor Thomas and two aldermen at this time, Alvin Wiese and Sam Davidson, organized the Eagle Lake Gas Distribution Company, a non-profit corporation which was given, debt-free, to the City of Eagle at the end of twenty years, in 1978. Thomas served as president of the gas distribution company throughout its existence. This company was later sold by the City of Eagle Lake to Entex and proceeds were used to further upgrade numerous municipal facilities.

National, State committees

In recognition of his prowess in the fields of agriculture and government, Harold Thomas was appointed in 1971 by President Richard Nixon to the national Citizens Advisory Committee on Civil Rights. In 1972, he was appointed by U. S. Secretary of Agriculture Earl Butz to the Texas Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service Committee. He served on that state committee from 1972 to 1976. He was then reappointed to the Texas ASCS committee in 1983 and chaired the committee in 1983. He was actively serving as a member of the committee at the time of his death. He also was a member and past officer of the Eagle Lake division of the American Rice Growers Cooperative Association. Thomas was a staunch supporter of rice research and improvement programs and of the rice experiment stations in Eagle Lake and Beaumont.

In addition to service on the aforementioned committees, he served his state and county well. He filled the office of Republican County Chairman (1958-1960 and 1978-1980); as county chairman of the Tower for Senate committee (1966 and 1978); and as county chairman of the Bush for Senate committee (1970). In 1971, Mr. Thomas was awarded a commendation from the Republican Party of Texas for these outstanding services in the party’s behalf.

Local activities

His contributions of leadership and membership in local organizations reached nearly every citizen of this community. He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Eagle Lake; a longtime former member and past president (1960) of Eagle Lake Rotary Club; a member and past master (1944) of the Eagle Lake Masonic Lodge No. 366 A.F. & A.M.; a life member of the Elks Club No. 1749; a former member and past Worthy Patron of the Eagle Lake Order of the Eastern Star; a member of the Columbus Chapter No. 46 R.A.M., Colorado Council No. 21, R. & S. M., Columbus Commander No. 58; and Arabia Temple Shrine of Houston.

Mr. Thomas was elected to the board of directors of First National Bank of Eagle Lake in 1963 and retired upon reaching the age of 70 in 1983. He actively supported local Boy and Girl Scouting activities and other youth organizations and projects. Notable among these was assistance in establishment of the Student FFA farm near the airport. He also backed such organizations as the Volunteer Fire Department and Chamber of Commerce.

Other honors bestowed upon this energetic Eagle Lake citizen included: Honorary Chapter Farmer Degree from the Eagle Lake Future Farmers of America chapter in 1966; recipient of the outstanding Service Above Self Merit Award from Eagle Lake Rotary Club in 1979; recipient of the Outstanding Conservation Farmer Award in Colorado County in 1976. He and other directors of the former Eagle Lake Gas Distribution Company were jointly honored for their very generous gift of the gas distribution company to the citizens of Eagle Lake.

Undoubtedly there were many other awards and citations of grateful appreciation from community and state organizations and groups to this man who truly lived the principles of “Service Above Self”. His life was one of dedication to his family and to friends of all races and creeds. He shall be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and being associated with a truly “great” man.

Eagle Lake Headlight, November 6, 1986
Submitted by Joyce Stancik

Thomas, Henry C.

Our mutual friend, H. C. Thomas, is no more. He passed quietly away on the evening of the 29th of December, after two or three weeks confinement to his bed. He was followed by a large concourse of friends to his last resting place near Osage, by the side of his little boy, who died several years ago. No man was more universally loved than "Hence;" and we do truly and sincerely drop the tear of sympathy with the widow of our deceased brother and neighbor, and say, "requiescat in pace."

Colorado Citizen, 5 January 1882

Thomas, Henry Calhoun

Henry C. Thomas. To Be Buried Here This Afternoon

Funeral services for H e n r y C. Thomas, 89, of Columbus, former Weimar resident, will be held from the Columbus Funeral Home at two o’clock this (Thursday) afternoon, after which the body will be brought to Weimar for interment in the Weimar Cemetery.

Former cattleman and farmer of this section, Mr. Thomas also was employed by W. C. Munn in his store here many years ago. From here he moved to Altair, where he also worked for the Munn Co., afterward moving to Eagle Lake and making his home in Columbus the last few years of his life.

At one time he wrote a correspondence column for the Weimar Mercury, signing it "Oom Paul".

Born July 21, 1857, he died Feb. 23 at Eagle Lake, after about three weeks illness. He was a member of the Christian Church.,

Two sons, Dr. Walter S. Thomas of Rochester, N. Y., and Jess G. Thomas of Victoria, survive.

Weimar Mercury, February 28, 1947, page 1

Thomas, Inez (Obenhaus)

Inez Obenhaus Thomas
December 3, 1912 – September 23, 1992

Mrs. Inez Obenhaus Thomas, age 79, of Eagle Lake, passed away Wednesday, September 23, 1992, at the Southwest Memorial Hospital, Houston, following a brief illness.

A native and lifelong resident of our area, Mrs. Thomas was born December 3, 1912, in Bonus to Louis and Gertrude Miles Obenhaus. She attended local schools and graduated from Eagle Lake High School in the Class of 1931.

On November 19, 1933, Inez married her high school sweetheart, Harold Wesley Thomas, in Richmond. The couple lived in Lissie where Harold began a distinguished career in rice farming. In 1948, the family moved to Eagle Lake.

She was member of Christ Episcopal Church of Eagle Lake and served her community in many ways. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, whose love and dedication to family will be remembered and missed by all.

Mrs. Thomas was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 53 years, Harold, on November 2, 1986; and a brother, Gerald Obenhaus.

Survivors include her children, Donna Lou Kelly of Houston and Gayle and Phyllis Thomas of Eagle Lake; brothers and sisters-in-law, Donald and Mary Obenhaus and Jack and Vera Obenhaus all of Bonus; grandchildren, Michael and Sherry Thomas, Eagle Lake; Gaye Lynn Thomas, Borger; Thomas and Vickie Kelly, Eagle Lake; Tim Kelley, Wyoming, and Trent Kelley, attending Texas A&M University; great granddaughters, Jessica, Lindsey and Katlyn Thomas, all of Eagle Lake; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of loved ones.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Friday, September 25, from the Dulany Funeral Home Chapel, Eagle Lake, with Rev. Russell Minter, Rector, Christ Episcopal Church of Eagle Lake, and Rev. Larry Bailey, Pastor, United Methodist Church officiating.

Personal reflections and eulogy were presented by Mrs. Thomas’ brother-in-law, Dr. Raymond Thomas of Eagle Lake.

Interment followed in Lakeside Cemetery. Pallbearers were nephews: Ray, Ross and Gary Obenhaus; Dr. Russell, John, Kurt and Griff Thomas; George Hale, Per Seaholm and Rand Grieves. Honorary Pallbearers were Raymond and Bruce Waddell, Alvin Wiese, Martin Roberts, T. J. Smith, Simon Sinclair, Al Lester, Simon Landry and Earl Braden, Jr.

The family has requested memorial contributions be made to your favorite charity.

Sympathy is extended to the family in their loss.

Eagle Lake Headlight, October 1, 1992
Submitted by Joyce Stancik

Thomas, James Ray "Jimmie"

James Ray "Jimmie" Thomas, 80, passed away June 20, at Hermann Southwest Memorial Hospital in Houston due to complications of heart failure.

He was born Oct. 26, 1921 in Lissie, to Bertha (Fussell) and Griff Edward Thomas Jr. He grew up and was educated in the Eagle Lake School system and Shriner Institute, graduating in Eagle Lake with the Class of 1939. He attended Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos. While in San Marcos he met and fell in love with Evelyn Marshall and they were married Oct. 24, 1942.

He served his country with the Army Air Corps. during World War II as a pilot flying the "Hump" in the China-Burma-India Theater. He returned to Eagle Lake following the war and began farming rice. He served on numerous boards during his lifetime including board of directors of Eagle Lake Rice Dryer, board member of First National Bank, school board member for the Eagle Lake School District and board member of The United Methodist Church and served his community as a councilman for the City of Eagle Lake for several years. He was a master mason for over 50 years in Eagle Lake Lodge No. 366 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, a member of the Houston Consistory of Scottish Rite Bodies, Arabian Temple Shrine of Houston, The Royal Order of Jesters Houston Court 136, (ROJHC) and American Legion Post 108 of Eagle Lake.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandchildren, Cynthia Renee Balas Bullard and Brian Thomas Balas; and his brother, Robert H. Thomas.

He is survivored by his companion of 60 years, Evelyn Marshall Thomas of Eagle Lake; children, Cynthia Cheatham and husband, Mike of West Monroe, La., Linda Balas and husband, Steve of Eagle Lake, Marsha Shelton and husband, Mike of Garwood; grandchildren, Chad and Rach-elle Kallina, Sherri Burrows and husband, Jay, Shane Cheatham and wife, Melanie; great-grandchildren Jonathon Ward Burrows and Trevor Thomas Bullard; and Step-mother Lora Baring Thomas.

Funeral services took place June 22, from The United Methodist Church of Eagle Lake with the Rev. David King, pastor of Eagle Lake and Garwood United Methodist Churches officiating with Margaret Wilcox, organist and Vickie Powers, soloist. Interment followed in The Masonic Cemetery in Eagle Lake. Flag presentation was made by Fred R. Frnka, American Legion Post 108.

Pallbearers were Sam Akers, Cal Birdsall, Wayne Corman, Vic Corman, Bob Cook and Ralph Carey. Honorary pallbearers were L. A. McNeil, R. P. Wilcox, Richard Bland Lee V, Alvin "Hootie" Wiese and ROJHC 136.

Colorado County Citizen, June 26, 2002
Courtesy of the Citizen

Thomas, John

Oakland News

School has been suspended here for an indefinite period, to prevent the spread of the influenza. The white population has escaped so far, only two or three cases in town, and they were of a very light form. But the colored people have been terribly afflicted. In some homes all the members of the family are sick, either with influenza or pneumonia. John Thomas (colored) who moved from here last year, was buried last week.

Weimar Mercury, October 25, 1918

Thomas, Lela (Culpepper)

Lela Culpepper Thomas

Mrs. Lela Culpepper Thomas, 65, of Edna, died at her residence Monday, December 31, 1984 following a sudden illness.

Mrs. Thomas was born on November 6, 1919, in Oakhurst. She had resided in Edna since 1949 and was a former resident of Eagle Lake. She was a homemaker and member of First United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women, the American Association of Retired Persons, and Edna Chapter 692 Order of the Eastern Star.

Services were conducted at 2 p.m.Tuesday, January 1 at the First United Methodist Church in Edna with the Rev. Russell Moon, pastor, officiating

Immediately following the service, Edna Chapter 692 Order of Eastern Star conducted a memorial service at the church.

Graveside services were conducted at 4:30 p.m. at Masonic Cemetery in Eagle Lake under direction of Jackson County Funeral Service.

Pallbearers were David Stephen, Robert Braunholz, Darrell Atkinson, Griff Thomas, John Konzen, Mike Robbins and Tony McDowell.

Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Judy Konzen of Victoria and Mrs. Patricia Braunholz of Edna; a son, Robert Hunter Thomas of Edna; two sisters, Mrs. Faye Buck of Houston and Mrs. Helen Barnett of Navasota; a brother, T. W. Culpepper of Columbus; 11 grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

In lieu of the usual remembrances, the family requests donations to First United Methodist Church of Edna or to the favorite charity of choice.

Sympathy is extended to the family.

Eagle Lake Headlight, January 17, 1985
Submitted by Joyce Stancik

Thomas, Loreca (Matthews)

Loreca Thomas

Loreca Thomas passed away March 15.

She was born December 27, 1932 the daughter of Mr. C.L. and Florence Matthews in Colorado. To this union nine children were born.

Loreca attended E.H. Henry High School in Eagle Lake.

At an early age, Sis. Loreca joined and was baptized at Mount Carmel Baptist Church. She continued walking with the Lord, until her death, at White Cloud Baptist Church under Rev. Obie Rhodes.

She later married Deacon Oscar Thomas Sr. To this union five children were born.

Those who have preceded her in death are; her parents; her husband; sons, Master Sergeant Roger Matthews and Frank Thomas; sisters, Earlene and Flora Mae Matthews; brothers, Claude Lewis Matthews, Oswald Matthews and Alfonze Matthews; and a special niece, Calandra Matthews.

Sis. Loreca Thomas leaves to cherish her memory: Oscar Thomas Jr., and Henry Thomas, Lola Hemphill and beloved Godson, Royce McMillian Jr. and Darryl McMillian; one devoted sister, Opeline Crow; three brothers, Glen Matthews (Dorothy) Edward D. Matthews (Melva) and Wilbert Matthews (Earline); one aunt, Eunice Sutton and devoted daughter-in-law, Jean Etha Thomas; a devoted sister-in-law, Mattie Matthews; a special nephew she cherished, Len Carson Matthews. as her son; special friends, Mrs. Betty Stevenson, Georgia Hemphill, Alice Kuykendall and Hazel Bradshaw; a special neighbor, Ronia Hurd; and a host of close relatives and friends that will miss her dearly.

Funeral services were held Saturday, March 25 at 12 p.m. from White Cloud Baptist Church with Rev. Obie Rhodes officiating. Interment followed in Rising Star Cemetery in Eagle Lake. Final arrangements were entrusted to Lakeside Mortuary in Eagle Lake.

Pallbearers were Walter Foster, Maurice Oliver, Greg Hemphill, Rev. Arthur Banks, Arthur J. Rhodes and Herbert Ashton.

Honorary pallbearers were Glen Matthews Jr., Edward Frank Matthews, Fletcher Hardison, Wilbert Matthews, George Whitelow, Lee Carson Matthews, Oliver Matthews, John Matthews, and Frank Thomas Jr.

Sympathy is extended to the family in their loss.

Eagle Lake Headlight, April 6th, 2006
Submitted by John Konesheck

Thomas, Malcom “Mike”. Sr.

Malcom “Mike” Thomas, Sr.

On Tuesday, December 5 at 1 p.m., Malcom "Mike" Thomas, Sr., of Eagle Lake affectionately known as "Mike", a beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend answered his call to eternal rest where he joined the Saints of God.

He was born September 24, 1966 in Eagle Lake, to Oliver Pettus and Earleen Upson.

Malcom confessed to Christ at an early age at White Cloud Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Obie Rhodes, where he was a faithful and dedicated member and became a deacon.

During his term as deacon, he was elected to be the Co-Chairman of the White Cloud Baptist Church Deacon Board.

He was a graduate of Rice High School in May of 1985.

Malcom began his dream as a school bus driver and a dedicated employee of Rice CISD for many years.

After pursuing his dream, Malcom started working with L.C.R.A. and then he became the first Black man to volunteer for the Eagle Lake Fire Department.

Malcom and Marsha McTear were united into holy matrimony on June 10, 1989 and to this union two daughters and one son were born.

He was preceded in death by his father; brother; and sisters.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Marsha Thomas; two daughters, Macelsy and Machelsea Thomas; and one son, Malcom Thomas, Jr. of Eagle Lake; his mother, Earleen Upson; four sisters, Aberleen Lemons, Marcella (Arthur) Foster, Ruby Johnson of Eagle Lake and Odessa (David) Thomas of Columbus; five brothers, Jessie (Diane) Upson, Cordis (Carlene) Upson, Oliver (Catherine) Thomas, Raymond Thomas and Edward (Eve) Thomas of Eagle Lake; very special mother and father-in-law, Deacon Alex and Debra Woolridge; several aunts, Betty Jean Pettus and Ruby C. King of Houston, Lillie Mae Johnson of Bay City, Castella Hall and Arie Lee Spears of Eagle Lake; one uncle, Frank Pettus of Rosenberg; god-daughters, Destinee Jackson, Monica Barrow, Shanique Williams and Kendall Bailey; god-sons, Tremaine McGrew, Desmond Thomas, Jaelan Crawford and Jordan Johnson; very special friend, Pastor Dave Curry; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and devoted friends.

Home going celebration services were held Saturday, December 9 at 11 a.m. from Providence Baptist Church with Rev. Obie Rhodes serving as eulogist. The earthly remains await the glorious resurrection while being entombed in Rising Star Cemetery-New Town area. Final arrangements were entrusted to Ben Davis Funeral Home in Columbus.

Pallbearers were LCRA and members of the Eagle Lake Fire Department.

Honorary pallbearers were Jessie Upson, Cordis Upson, Dea. Oliver Thomas, Dea. Edward Thomas, Raymond Thomas, Malcom Thomas, Jr., Odrick Thomas, Oshundrick Thomas, Edward Thomas, Jr., Jonathan Thomas, Jerrell Thomas, Quentin Thomas, Desmond Thomas, Rodney Parker, Robert Parker, Jr., Rodney Williams, Dea. Alex Woolridge, Derrick Thomas, Dea. Kevin Henderson, Dea. Wayne Henderson, Dea. Norman Henderson, Jr., Dea. L.M. Alexander, Dea. Dennis Davis, Dea. Victor Davis, Sr., Dea. Douglas Tillman, Sr., David Henderson, Jerome McAfee, Sr., Donald Ray Spears, Dewayne Hemphill and Norris Pettus.

Sympathy is extended to the family in their loss. 

Eagle Lake Headlight, December 14th, 2006
Submitted by John Konesheck

Thomas, Margaret Elizabeth (Lowrey)

MRS. HENRY C. THOMAS BURIED HERE TODAY

Funeral services for Mrs. Margaret E. Thomas, 77, a native of Weimar, whose death occurred Wednesday morning at Columbus, were held here Thursday,afternoon with the Rev. F. D. Charlton of San Antonio officiating.

The deceased,an early long-time resident of Weimar, was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Lowrey who came to Weimar from Preston, Georgia, where she was born Sept. 30, 1962. She was a member of the Christian Church.

Survivors include a husband, H. C.Thomas of Columbus; two sons, Dr. W. S. Thomas of Rochester, New York and J. G. Thomas of Beeville, Texas, and a brother, Frank Lowrey of Graham, Texas.

Interment was in the Weimar Masonic Cemetery.

Pall bearers included Earl Sandmeyer, Harvey Lee, Ellis Miller, Walter Dick, O. P. Moore and R. Haden[sic], all of Columbus.

Funeral arrangements were under direction of the Columbus Funeral Home.

Weimar Mercury, August 4, 1939

Thomas, Mary Hight

Mary Hight Thomas
October 8, 1921 – January 2, 2005

Mary Hight Thomas passed away Sunday, January 2, 2005 in Fredericksburg, Texas.

She was born October 8, 1921 in San Antonio, the daughter of James Hight and Belle Thomas and was a graduate of the Eagle Lake High School Class of 1939.

She was a long time resident of the San Francisco Bay Area in California, but most recently a resident of Independence Village of Olde Raleigh, North Carolina.

Mary was a talented artist. She lived in Eagle Lake until 1960, when she traveled to Zurich, Switzerland to study Art Therapy at the Carl Jung Institute of Analytical Psychology in Zurich for three years.

She was widely traveled throughout Europe and Japan, and worked in Art Therapy at Withymead Center for Psychotherapy through the Arts in Exeter, England.

Mary served on the staff of Marymount College of Boca Raton, Florida, and consulted at Boys Town and Barry College, in Miami. She has lectured at universities in New York and California.

Upon moving to California, she was active in the Carl Jung Society, was a co-founder and Director of The Art Therapy Institute of San Francisco, and served as an Art Therapist in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 20 years. She was past president of the Northern California Art Therapy Association, a member of the International Society of Art Psychotherapy, and the Analytical Psychology Club.

Mary launched and served as the first Director of the Human Services House, a residential counseling center in Westchester County, New York. She retired to the San Francisco/Mill Valley Area of California.

She spent her professional life in service to others. Mary worked with youth groups, community service, was a Girl Scout leader for ten years, taught dancing, art, and was an avid reader, gardener, and sand play therapist. She is remembered for her sense of humor, dedication to her profession, creative spirit, support of the arts, her family and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, James Hight and Belle Thomas, and a brother, Robert Campbell, Sr.

Survivors included her children, Dr. Sandra C. Thomas of Raleigh, North Carolina; John R. Thomas and wife, Marilyn, of Fredericksburg; grandchildren, Marla Thomas of San Antonio; Ryan Thomas of Fredericksburg; Tricia Thomas Marolda and husband, Larry, of Larchmont, NY; great-grandchildren, Michael and Megan Marolda; and a brother, Davis Campbell and wife, Edna, of Hemphill, Texas.

Per her wishes, a memorial service will be held in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Arrangements under the direction of the Schaetter Funeral Home of Fredericksburg, 301 E. San Antonio St., Fredericksburg, Texas 78624.

Memorials may be made to Eula and David Winteramann Library, 101 N. Walnut, Eagle Lake, 77434 and Girl Scouts of South Texas Council, Eagle Lake Brownie Troop 6001, 10435 Greenbough, Suite 150, Stafford, Texas 77477.

Sympathy is extended to the family in their loss

Eagle Lake Headlight, January 13, 2005
Submitted by Joyce Stancik

Thomas, Mary R. (Walker)

DIED, on Skull Creek, Colorado county, at Mr. R. L. Walker’s residence, Sunday, June 15th, at 2 o’clock, p.m., Mrs. Mary R. Thomas, wife of Mr. R. B. Thomas, aged thirty years. She leaves a husband, one little girl and many friends to morn her loss, but their loss is her gain. She was a member of the Baptist Church, and died in the full belief of rest in heaven. [Interment in Pleasant Grove Cemetery]

Colorado Citizen, June 19, 1884

Weimar Local Matters

Mrs. Buck Thomas died last Sunday at 2 o’clock, in the 30th year of her age, of consumption, near Borden. The deceased was the daughter of Leander Walker, lived in this county nearly all her life, has been a great sufferer for a long while. She was a devoted wife and an affectionate mother, and leaves a husband and one sweet little girl to mourn her loss.

Colorado Citizen, June 19, 1884