Tommy Thomas

A lifetime of resilience and determination that began on September 26, 1936, ended on Monday, December 30, 2024 with the passing of Tommy Thomas at the age of 88.

To begin this life of resilience, Tommy was born a mere 1.5 pounds on that September date, which led his doctor to incorrectly surmise that the baby would not live more than a few hours. The doctor was more than 88 years and three months off on his prediction. 

Tommy was born the son of Troy and Estaline Thomas in Eminence, Missouri. He grew up in a log cabin in Eminence, one of six children. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Army, where he would serve his country for more than 20 years. Early during his time in the Army, he met the love of his life, Janet. They were married in 1959 and spent 65 wonderful years together. Through his time in the Army, they were able to travel the world and lived in countries such as Poland, Germany, Nepal, and Taiwan, as well as many places across the U.S.A. 

Upon retiring from the Army, Tommy attended water and wastewater treatment school, which led to his second career at Miller-Newell Engineering in Newport, Arkansas where he spent another 20 years. After that retirement, he and Janet moved to Cherokee Village, Arkansas. 

Tommy loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. His knowledge and expertise of the latter led to him teaching his children and many grandchildren how to fish and being present for their first catch. He continually displayed kindness to animals, repaid by many cats and dogs who decided to show up at his house and declare it home.

His knack for all things mechanical was a very popular skill in the family, especially to those family members who lacked such skills. One of his favorite hobbies was fixing up cars and a constant in his life was having a car occupy his garage for months (sometimes years) on end as he tinkered with it, probably never intending to actually “fix” it. He was also an avid fan of NASCAR.

Tommy garnered quite a reputation for his love of spicy food, and he developed a real talent for making homemade hot sauce from his garden-grown peppers. His love of all things spicy was passed down to many of his descendants, who continue his crusade against bland food. One of his favorite tasks was creating a huge batch of sauce for the Ash Flat United Methodist Church’s annual “Godfest” celebration. His culinary skills did not end there, as Tommy’s breakfast potatoes a.k.a. “grandpa taters” could easily be described as the best food on earth with little argument from anyone who tried them. 

Along with all of his hobbies, Tommy’s greatest joy was spending time with this family.

 It would not be an overstatement to describe Tommy as a modern-day Rasputin, continually beating the physical challenges that were thrown at him. Throughout his life he experienced multiple heart attacks, multiple strokes, and the numerous surgeries and medical procedures that come with these issues. Other injuries such as a hernia or a rotator cuff tear were temporary setbacks. He always bounced back, often showing little effects and leaving family members scratching their heads at his downright toughness. We should all long to be cut of the same cloth! 

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Troy and Estaline Thomas; three brothers: Everett Thomas, William Thomas, and Michael Thomas; two sisters, Margaret Thomas Shockley and Mary Thomas Pryor; and one daughter, Cheryl Anne Thomas Reilly. 

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Janet Miles Calkins Thomas; two sons, Brian Thomas and wife Rose of Mabelvale, Arkansas and Glen Thomas and wife Shelley of Memphis, Tennessee; nine grandchildren: Elizabeth Robertson and husband Daniel of Blue Springs, Missouri, Brian Thomas Jr. and fiancé Mindy Mayfield of Eupora, Mississippi, Patrick Thomas and wife Taylor of San Antonio, Texas, Maria Thomas of Kansas City, Missouri, John Paul Thomas of Mabelvale, Arkansas, Jason Grant of Paragould, Arkansas, Jessica Fears and husband Dennis of Oxford, Arkansas, Lyndon Thomas of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Colin Thomas of Memphis, Tennessee; and seventeen great-grandchildren: Willa, Harrison, Zoe, Madalyn, Anna Grace, Mila, Leo, Olivia, Benjamin, Lily, Connor, Anastasia, Warren, William, Patrick Jr., Layne, and Miles. 

Memorial services will be Friday, January 3, 2025 in the Ash Flat United Methodist Church beginning with a visitation of family and friends at 10 a.m. The Celebration of Life including full military honors will start at 10:30 a.m. Following the memorial, private interment will be at Bethany Chapel Cemetery in Eminence, Missouri. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made either to the Ash Flat United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.