Thomas, William

William Thomas

Services: Have been held.

William Walter Thomas, 76, of Clovis, died Saturday, Nov. 13, 2004, at Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis.

He was born on July 16, 1928, in Blue Mountain, Miss., to Luther and Pearl Thomas.

He married Adeline Charizia on Nov. 1, 1949, in Cheverly, Md. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1947 and transferred to the newly formed Air Force in 1948. The fire department became his career choice.

During his 22 years in the Air Force he earned a degree in fire protection engineering, achieved the rank of Senior Master Sgt. and served as assistant fire chief at several bases across the U.S. He worked for the civil service as a fire chief stationed at Webb Air Force Base in Big Spring, Texas. He served at Cannon Air Force Base from 1976 to 1992. He taught fire protection engineering at Howard College in Big Spring. He was an avid golfer, member of the Academy of Modeling Aviation, the Soaring Society of America ,V.F.W. Post 3280 and the local Model Airplane Drivers Society. His family said he was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the Atlanta Braves, and in his spare time, he loved to spend time with his family, friends and working with wood.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a granddaughter, Crystal Audrey Cotham.

Survivors include his wife; his three sons, Grant Thomas (and wife, Terry) of EI Paso, Texas, Michael Thomas of Albuquerque, and Keith Thomas (Laurie) of Portales; a daughter, Renee M. Thomas of Clovis; 14 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Burial will be at Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens of Clovis with full military honors and firefighter tribute.

Honorary pallbearers are Ronnie McCord, Bobby Lockmiller, Rick Poe, Richard Poe, Joe Davis, Chad Messick, Larry Cherry, Maj. Norm Johnson, Cody McCord, Steve Verdile, Bob Butler, Ricky Thornton, Antoni Bogusz, and all Brother Fire Fighters.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

Arrangements are by Steed-Todd Funeral Home of Clovis.