Ronald Frank Thomas

Ronald was born in Midland, Texas, on July 5, 1938, to Addilese (Haag) and Conn Thomas. He grew up in Midland with his parents and two younger brothers, Rea and Roger. Ronald attended Sam Houston Elementary School, San Jacinto Jr. High, and graduated from Midland High School (class of 1956).

At an early age, Ronald showed an interest in and a talent for music. As a toddler, Ronald was introduced to music by his mother who played the piano. He continued to study piano under several teachers who were in the Midland Music Teachers Association. While in elementary school, he was singing solos in church services, in school productions, and raising money for the construction of Midland Memorial Hospital by singing and dancing. In high school, Ronald continued to study piano, and he sang in the Midland High School Acapella Choir and the All-State Choir of Texas.

Ronald began his higher education at North Texas State University (now University of North Texas), he concentrated in organ and majored in music education. He sang in the Madrigal Singers, the Chapel Choir, the Grand Chorus with performances with the Dallas Symphony and Corpus Christi Symphony. He sang in the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia choir and the Texas Boys Choir.

Upon graduation from NTSU, Ronald began his Master’s of Music studies with a major in musicology and a minor in organ at the University of Michigan. He met Ruby LaVonn Biles, and they were married on January 19, 1963. He completed his Master’s program with the longest thesis on musicology ever written which his young wife helped type.

Ronald began his first full-time church position as director of music and education at First United Methodist Church in Palestine, Texas, and the couple welcomed their first-born son, David Bruce Thomas in 1967.

Ronald then completed a second Master’s degree with a major in sacred music and a minor in theology at Southern Methodist University. Additionally, Ronald completed post-graduate work at North Texas State University. He then took a teaching position at the University of the Ozarks. In 1972, Ronald and LaVonn welcomed their second son, Brian Paul Thomas.

Over the years, Ronald Thomas has served churches in Ft. Smith, Arkansas; Dallas, Texas; Farmers Branch, Texas; Tulia, Texas; Pecos, Texas; and Odessa, Texas. Later in life, he concentrated on teaching privately and holding part-time church positions, one of which was as the organist of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Midland, Texas. Ronald was active in the Midland Music Teachers Association and taught many students over the years including his own children and grandchildren.

The joy of Ronald’s life, in addition to his family, was music. He loved performing, going to performances, and coaching performers. He was a life-time member of the United Methodist Church and sang in the church choir wherever he was a member. He was also a faithful member of the Midland/Odessa Chorale and an avid supporter of the Symphony.

Ronald is preceded in death by his parents, Addilese (Haag) and Conn Thomas. He is survived by his wife, LaVonn Thomas of Midland, Texas; children, David (Delanna) Thomas of Midland, Texas; and Brian (Sandie) Thomas of Allen, Texas; grandchildren: Daniel, Dawson, and Davin Thomas of Midland, Texas; and Shaun (Michelle) O’Keefe of Garland, Texas; and Peyton Thomas of Allen, Texas; great-grandchildren: Lily and Rose O’Keefe of Garland, Texas; his two brothers: Rea (Vivian) Thomas of Midland, Texas; and Roger (Jane) Thomas of San Marcos, Texas; and numerous beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Ellis Resthaven Funeral Home at 4616 N. Big Spring St, Midland, Texas, on Wednesday, March 8, 5:30-9:30 p.m. The Memorial service will be held at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3011 W. Kansas Ave, Midland, Texas, on Thursday, March 9, 2:00 p.m. Graveside services will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Odessa, Texas on Friday, March 10, 2:00 p.m.

Pallbearers: Mark Thomas, James Thomas, Paul Thomas, Shaun O’Keefe, Daniel Thomas, Peyton Thomas, Davin Thomas. Honorary Pallbearer: Dawson Thomas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West Texas Symphony and St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Ronald’s memory.