Clarence went to high school in Melrose, New Mexico where he was the president of the graduating class of 1948; he graduated from Eastern New Mexico University in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Clarence honorably served his country in the National Guard. On September 17, 1950 Clarence married the love of his life, Maxine Welsh. Clarence worked as an oil man with Texaco in Midland, Texas; helped start Hancock Oil in Dallas, Texas; and was one of the principal founders of Ladd Petroleum in Denver, Colorado where he retired in 1986. He was a life-long member of the Church of Christ. Clarence lived in numerous places during his life, including Melrose, New Mexico; Midland, Texas; Dallas, Texas and Greenwood Village, Colorado. He often spent his time on the golf course, traveling, watching the Dallas Cowboys and making homemade ice cream.
Clarence is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Buna Thomas; brother Clyde Thomas all of Prairie Grove, Arkansas. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife Maxine Thomas of Greenwood Village, CO; son Gary Thomas of Centennial, CO; daughter Cheryl Cole and husband Lee of Colorado Springs, CO; grandson Michael Thomas; granddaughter Roxan Zabel; grandson Jeff Cole; great grandchildren Emrie Acuna, Carson Crocker, Razi Mayoral; and Tim, Cassie, Noelle and Zachary Cole.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Clarence will be held at 10:00am on August 21, 2018 at Castle Rock Church of Christ, Castle Rock, CO.
The family requests that donations be made to the Mountain States Children’s Home, Longmont CO or the New Mexico Christian Children’s Home, Portales, NM in lieu of flowers.
Clarence will be remembered for his wisdom, generosity, kindness and smile.
