A. A. Thomas, Jr. "JR"

JR was born in Fort Worth, Texas on March 8, 1928, to Arthur and Thelma Thomas. He graduated from North Side High School in 1946. He married Louise Holmsley on June 9, 1949.

They moved to Midland in 1956. JR owned two successful businesses: West Texas Welder’s Supply and Midland Freight Salvage. He served two terms on the Midland City Council and served as Mayor Pro Tem.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Louise Thomas, and three children (spouses): Debbie Thomas Guidry (Jack) of Keller, Texas; Donna Thomas Oehler (Greg) of Fredericksburg, Texas; and Drue Thomas (Melanie) of Midland. He is also survived by ten grandchildren: Caprice Guidry, Paul Guidry, Gina Guidry McKinney, Jackson (Vanessa)Guidry, Anna Guidry, Laura (Mike) Bailey, Leslie (Kris) Kneese, Halen Thomas, Dara Thomas, and Alyssa Shaw; great grandchildren Isaac, Ari, and Nolan Guidry, Ellie, Hattie, and Annie Bailey, Kathryn and Gage Kneese, Carson Chastain, and Ford Cochran.

Pallbearers will be Jack Guidry, Greg Oehler, Jerry Koonce, Jeremiah Jolly, Rusty Welch, and Ronnie Cadenhead.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jackson Guidry, Kris Kneese, and Mike Bailey.

There will be a Visitation on Tuesday, November 3, 2015, at Ellis Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Graveside Service has been scheduled for 11 a.m. at Resthaven Memorial Park with Robert Kirk officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Alzheimer’s Research, or to Hospice of Midland, 911 West Texas Ave, Midland, TX 79701.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Legacy Ranch and Compass Hospice in Midland for their loving support.