Harry Dean Thomas

Harry Thomas was born March 17,1935 in Krebs, Oklahoma to his parents William and Alice Thomas. Harry was one of eleven children. Harry Thomas lived in Orange County California since the middle fifties. Spanning decades, Harry has a special legacy of a life of service, and friendship!

Harry was raised in Fresno, California where he attended Fresno schools and also Fresno State. Harry ran track, played baseball, and football. Harry was known as “Rabbit” because of his physical strength and running ability. Harry went into the Army and finished in the National Guard. While in the Army, he was on the U. S. Pistol Team. He had bragging rights to being an expert marksman.

When Harry came to Santa Ana, California he went to work for the City of Santa Ana and finally got a state job where he was a State Peace officer assigned at Santa Ana High School as a Security Guard. It was in this job that he loved what he did and everyone loved him. His interactions with youth were of great merit. Harry also started the first Head Start school for children in Orange County area. Harry also had a successful tax office for many years and was always very busy in tax season.

Harry was an avid hunter and fisherman. He influenced family, children, and friends to fish. He was known for buying fishing rods for young people and teaching them to hunt as well. Harry respected our lands and the care of animals as pets. He was of the belief and the willingness to obey our laws respecting our wildlife while hunting.

Harry related to young people in a special way, while he was firm but loving and kind. His character was known in whatever job he did as respectful. He readily smiled and was able to be a first responder in critical conditions where he served everyone well.

Harry himself did not always share the good he extended to others it was just who he was as a man.

Harry was preceded in death by his Grandmother, Buelah Stocker, parents William and Alice Stocker. Harry’s brothers who proceeded him in death are William Thomas Jr., Charles Thomas, Dempsey Thomas, Earl Thomas. His sisters were Willie Mae McGill, Allene Thomas, and Juanita Owens. Living siblings Dorothy Tice of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Elmer Thomas of Lynwood, California, and Oscar Thomas of Moreano Valley, California as well as numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and close friends.