William LaVelle Thomas, 94, died Saturday, January 13, 2024. He was born in Hill County, Texas on April 30, 1929. LaVelle was a graduate of Pascal High School in Fort Worth, Texas. After graduation he entered Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana where he received a Bachelor of Science degree and earned his Masters Degree from Mississippi State. He began his teaching/coaching profession at Oak Grove High in West Carrol Parish. In 1972, LaVelle moved his family to Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he worked for the Federal Office of Drug Affairs. He later moved into the State Department of Education as an administrator until his retirement to enjoy time with family and friends. LaVelle loved to fish and was known for his tight-line jig fishing (Jig Rig I). He is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Clellan Cockerham Thomas; his parents, Rex and Jewel Madora Thomas; and his sister Wylma Thomas Blackburn. Mr. Thomas is survived by his sons, Rex Thomas (Debbie); Lane Thomas (Daphne); daughter, Alisa Thomas; brother, Wyndell Thomas (Frieda); Grandchildren, Seth and Derek Thomas, Amy Bonds (Alex), Melissa Simon (Joseph), Amber McCarstle (Jeff) and Ty Giurintano; Great grandchildren, Ethan and Emma Simon, Hannah Bonds, Clayton and Wyatt McCarstle. A time of celebrating his life will be at Greenoaks Funeral Home, Baton Rouge, on Wednesday, January 17th from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. A graveside service will follow at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 4196, Monroe, LA 71211 or a charity of your choice.
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