Earnest Blume Thomas

Earnest (Ernie) Thomas passed away peacefully on March 2, 2024. He was 89 years old.

Ernie was born in Winfield, LA on November 1, 1934. He graduated from Winfield High School, and then from Louisiana Tech University with a degree in Journalism. Ernie served four years in the U.S. Navy. He was trained as a naval aviator and achieved the rank of Lieutenant.

Ernie’s first wife was Ann Hintz. They moved frequently with the Navy in their early marriage, then settled in Elgin, Illinois. From there, Ernie commuted to O’Hare, working as a United Airlines pilot for 34 years, eventually becoming a Captain. Ernie and Ann had three children: Scot, Julie, and Greg.

Ernie’s second wife was Debby Knudson. They had one daughter, Lauren. They lived in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where Ernie enjoyed golfing, boating and playing tennis. Later, they moved to Spring Grove, Illinois, and built “Waypoint Ten,” a five-acre farm where they boarded retired race horses.

After retiring from United, Ernie and Debby moved to Harbor Island, South Carolina. Ernie later moved to Dataw Island, SC, and loved his 23 years there. He continued playing golf and tennis, and added croquet. He sang with the Beaufort Harbor Masters and enjoyed his friendships in that group. Ernie participated in regular outings with friends, including pizza nights at Piace’s, guys’ nights at the Dataw Clubhouse, and his Saturday night mixed group at the club. His friends on Dataw became an extension of his family.

One of Ernie’s greatest loves was traveling. His passion for seeing the world took him to Hawaii, Ireland, Scotland, England, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, Luxembourg, Lichtenstein, Austria, Japan, and Hong Kong among others. Ernie was a writer, and enjoyed dabbling in poetry and short stories. One of his children’s stories was published in Highlights Magazine. Ernie was a proud sarcastic philosopher and spent time with a pen and paper pondering life’s curiosities, reflecting on them with a dry wit. Ernie was a musician. His musical talents included playing his guitar and entertaining friends and family with songs and an occasional tune on the harmonica.

In 2023, Ernie moved to Longmont, Colorado to be closer to his Colorado kids and grandkids. With his daughter Lauren and her family, he enjoyed daily recaps of Lauren’s day with her high school students, weekend football games, family dinners, and attending his grandson’s orchestra concerts. With his son Greg, he enjoyed trips to the mountains in Greg’s truck, listening to old music and getting fish tacos. Ernie’s Minnesota kids, Scot and Cathy, moved him to Colorado in May, and visited again with Julie in November to celebrate Ernie’s 89th birthday.

Ernie was preceded in death by his wife, Debby Thomas. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Bennie Thomas, and his brother, Haze Thomas.

Ernie is survived by his children Scot (Cathy) Thomas, Julie Thomas, Greg (Lori) Thomas, and Lauren (Adam) Kohn. He is survived by four grandchildren: Mat (Kelsey) Thomas, Fletcher (Sarah) Thomas, Avery Kohn and Benjamin Kohn. He is survived by his first wife and dedicated letter writer, Ann Thomas. He is also survived by James Wyatt, his nephew and frequent visitor, companion and caregiver.

The family is grateful to Balfour Senior Living in Longmont and to Bloom Hospice staff for the love and care they provided Ernie and us. Ernie's family encourages any contributions in his name to be sent to YMCA Camp Edwards in East Troy, WI. This camp holds a very special place in our hearts. It has positively impacted many lives including ours.