Bobby Clendon Thomas

Clendon Thomas, a College Football Hall of Famer and one of Oklahoma City’s most respected athletic figures, passed away on January 27, 2026, leaving behind a legacy shaped by faith, family, leadership, and quiet strength.

Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Clendon Thomas rose to national prominence through his extraordinary achievements on the football field. He was known not only for his toughness and intelligence, but for the way he prepared, competed, and carried himself. His relentless work ethic and love for the game set him apart, earning him induction into the College Football Hall of Fame and establishing a standard of excellence that continues to inspire today.

That same discipline followed him into an 11-year career in the National Football League, where he played for the Los Angeles Rams and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Teammates and opponents alike respected him for his durability, consistency, and professionalism—traits that defined both his playing days and his life beyond football.

Away from the field, Clendon was first and foremost a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and family man. His greatest pride and joy was his family, whom he loved deeply. He met the love of his life, Sondra Peters, while traveling on a chartered Pittsburgh Steelers flight, where she was working as a United Airlines stewardess—a chance meeting that grew into a lifelong partnership rooted in love, respect, and unwavering devotion.

His faith was not simply a part of his life—it was who he was. After football, Clendon became a successful entrepreneur, owning and operating Chemical Products, but his most meaningful work often happened quietly, through service and mentorship. He devoted decades to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as chairman of the board of trustees, on its national board of directors, and on the Oklahoma State Executive Board. Through speaking, mentoring, and personal relationships, he used sports as a platform to share his faith and encourage young athletes. His commitment was honored by FCA’s Hall of Champions, reflecting a lifelong dedication to serving God and others.

Clendon Thomas is survived by his beloved wife, Sondra Thomas; his son, Brad Thomas, and his wife, Rhonda Thomas; his daughter, Ashley Bertelli, and her husband, Matt Bertelli; and his cherished grandchildren, Isabella, Sophia, and Beau Bertelli, who brought him immense joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy F. Thomas and Willie Pearl Thomas/McFatridge, whose example instilled in him the values of hard work, humility, perseverance, and faith that guided his life.

He is also survived by his sister, Donna Ratliff, and her husband, Phillip Ratliff (deceased), and their children, Brett Ratliff and Kristen Fridinger. He was preceded in death by his sister, Norma Morris, and is survived by her husband, Earl Morris, and their children, Kelley Tabry, Teri Jirous, Stacey Folz, and Craig Morris.

He is also survived by his brothers-in-law: Jim Peters and his children, Ryan Peters and Danielle Smith; Mike Peters and his wife, Paula Peters, and their children, Kelly Dunn, Joey Peters, Jared Davis, Reagen Davis, Teran Davis, and Linsy Schroder; and John Peters and his wife, Veronica Peters, and their children, Melissa Driver, Daniel Peters, and Elizabeth Peters.

Clendon Thomas will be remembered not only as a Hall of Fame athlete and accomplished professional football player, but as a man of deep faith, humility, integrity, and love, whose life reflected a steadfast commitment to God, family, and service. His legacy lives on in the history of college football, the NFL, and—most importantly—in the lives of those he loved and influenced.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on February 20 at 1:00 p.m. at Crossings Church, where family and friends will gather to honor and remember Clendon Thomas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.