Eddie Larkin Thomas

A 1965 graduate of French High School in Beaumont, and then to graduate from Lamar University with a degree in General Business. Eddie was drafted on the last day of the Draft during the Vietnam War Era and served stateside in San Antonio, Texas. He then went to work for Gulf Oil, where his father had worked for 40 years. Eddie, himself, worked 35 years for Gulf Oil which later became Chevron Pipe Line. After retiring in 2011, Eddie established his own company, the Thomas CT Enterprises, which he shut down after the Covid pandemic.

Eddie and his wife, Debbie, were married for 37 years. They have six children and Eddie was also a foster dad to 8 children and any other kids Debbie decided to bring home. Since retiring, he has enjoyed his grandchildren teaching them to shoot BB guns, fishing, riding a bike, and doing yard work. He was always faithful and loyal to his children and gave them the best he had to offer. Eddie especially enjoyed the family vacations every year and sometimes twice a year. No matter how far or how long he was always the Designated Driver. The family goal was to get all kids to be able to see the 50 states of America. Eddie was able to see 48 of the 50!

His favorite activity in life was hunting. He would hunt dove, ducks or whatever was in season, but his fondest was deer hunting. He shared a deer lease for many years with his friends/co-workers from Chevron until the lease finally ended. Eddie especially looked forward to his day after Thanksgiving deer trip where he was able to go out to West Texas.

Eddie accepted Jesus as his Lord and Saviour during a Youth Camp in Texarkana at the age of 17. He was faithful in taking his children to church, even if on occasion he fell sound asleep. Eddie was a quiet and more reserved fellow, but he was a loyal, honest, trustworthy person to have in your corner. He was a man his family and friends could count on when you needed him. He will be forever loved in our hearts and missed until we meet again.

On Memorial Day, Eddie had a "silent heart-attack". He never suffered any pain and when he realized his heart was too weak to be repaired, he accepted it and was ready to leave this world for a better place in Heaven with his many friends and family that have gone on before him. This was the first time Eddie had to be hospitalized. During this stressful time, the verse that offered comfort was Psalm 91:1 & 2 "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." Eddie realized God's secret place is prayer. You can always pray and God will keep you close to HIm, and under His shadow. You have rest and protection and will be able to trust in Him, even in the end of this life.

Eddie was preceded in death by his father and mother, Foy and Flogene Thomas, father-in-law, J.D. Hargraves and 2 grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie, their children Lauren Portley, Jessica Coston, Christy Jones, Phillip Thomas, James Thomas, and Kaitlyn Smetak; sisters, Joyce Hutson and Jackie Woltman; grandchildren: Oliver & Layan Jones, Zaylee Thomas, Charles, Jack Portley, Karlee Coston and Audrey Hazelton. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Audrey Hargraves, sister-in-law, Paula Propp, and brother-in-law, John Hargraves, Jr. Eddie had many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Eddie will be cremated by Forest Lawn and his ashes placed near J.D. Hargraves in Landrum Cemetery. Eddie asked for no service to be held and just to remember any good times you enjoyed with him. Any contributions can be made to The Samaritan Purse who helps others in their time of need.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawnmpfh.com for the Thomas family.