Leon T. Thomas

Leon T. Thomas was born on New Year's Day, 1943, in Bastrop, Louisiana — the son of sharecroppers Amos and Sarah Thomas. He was a man of humble beginnings and extraordinary character; the kind of person who made every room warmer and every stranger feel like a lifelong friend.

Education, Career & Family

A proud graduate of Grambling State University, Leon launched his career as a Wood Shop teacher at Horace Mann Junior High School in Omaha, Nebraska, where he and his then-wife, Annie L. Thomas, built their family and laid down roots. He later served as a Dispatcher with Trans-Con Trucking, and rounded out his professional life with dedicated service at the Omaha Housing Authority and Waste Management.

The Man He Was

Leon's greatest joy was people — meeting them, learning their stories, and making them laugh. When he wasn't connecting with someone new, he could be found hunting, fishing, fixing cars, or lost in music. He was a devoted sports fan through and through — a loyal follower of Formula One racing, boxing, and the Atlanta Braves. On the gridiron, he rode with both the Cleveland Browns and the Kansas City Chiefs. On the hardwood, it was the Los Angeles Lakers, without question. And then there were the Oklahoma Sooners. If you know, you know.

Those Left to Cherish His Memory

On the afternoon of March 17, 2026, Leon was called to Glory. He leaves behind his children, Reginald Thomas (sp. Keisha) and Carla Thomas-Herron; grandchildren Christopher Thomas (sp. Tera) and Nataya Thomas; great-grandchildren Aaron McCurry Jr., Bailey Thomas, and Santana Thomas; and a host of extended family and friends whose lives were made richer simply by knowing him. Leon loved his family with everything he had and was deeply proud of the people they became.

Please join us in celebrating Leon's life. A visitation will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 10:00-11:00 am at Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home, with memorial service to begin at 11:00 am.