Death of a ClassMate - Earl Thomas '54 (non-grad)

Earl Everett Thomas Jr, 82, of New Braunfels, Texas, passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2013, while visiting in Dallas, TX He was born to Earl Everett Thomas, Sr and Eula Lorene (Thompson) Thomas in Union County, NC on February 7, 1931. He was appointed to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD and then completed his degree in Chemical Engineering. While working as a Chemist at Howard Hughes Tool Company, he helped develop the Steel Belted Radial Tire which lead to a patent. With sales in his bloodline, he spent his remaining working years in sales traveling the beautiful southern states and later joined in the career of sales by his gifted wife. He was a member of First Baptist Church New Braunfels where he taught Sunday school. He was also President of the Gideon's International New Braunfels Camp, member of the Masonic Lodge #1196, was active in the Baptist Men's Builders, member and Past Tournament Director of the Legends Gold Association. His golf outings were a source of lifetime friendships and making 3 hole in ones at the Landa Golf Course was a lifetime accomplishment. Earl was an American patriot and was honored to serve the citizens of the United States in the Korean War. He was preceded entering the Gates of Heaven by his loving wife of 60 years, Von Rae Thomas; his parents, Earl Thomas, Sr and Eula Thomas; and brother, John Blair Thomas. He is survived by daughter, Vivian Ann Sims and husband Ron of Senatobia, MS; daughter and caregiver, Susan Acuff of Germantown, TN; son, John Steven Thomas of Longview, TX; and daughter, Kathryn Ruth Baker and husband Floyd of Slidell, LA; 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Public visitation will begin 5:00 PM Thursday at Zoeller Funeral Home and continue until 8:00 PM. The family will be present to receive friends and visitors during that time. A Chapel Service will be held 2:00 PM Friday at Zoeller Funeral Home. Graveside Service and Interment will follow in Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Gideon's International, with the purpose of spreading the Word of God.