Leonard Andrew "L.A." Thomas, Sr.

L.A. dedicated more than 40 years of service to VIA, beginning his career at just 17 years old as a shop attendant. Through perseverance, skill, and pride in his craft, he advanced to mechanic and ultimately Shop Foreman. For decades, he helped keep the fleet running, earning the respect of coworkers who knew they could always count on him. His work ethic and mechanical expertise were a source of pride not only for him, but for his entire family.

That same love for fixing and building carried into his personal life. L.A. was rarely without a project, always working on cars and, in recent years, becoming the go-to small engine repairman in his neighborhood. If a lawnmower, power washer, or anything with an engine was on the fritz, L.A. was happy to help. He rebuilt a number of vehicles over the years, both foreign and domestic.

His love of cars extended to membership in the Triumph, Ford, and Trans Am car clubs, through which he participated in rallies, car shows, meetups, and parades.

At home, he was a constant partner to his beloved wife, Mary Ann “Cookie”. He supported her home daycare with patience and affection, helping whenever he could, and some of the children there came to know him as “Honey,” a nickname borrowed from Cookie herself. It was a testament to the gentle, loving presence he had in their lives.

L.A. and Cookie shared a love of the open road, taking their children on road trips across the United States creating lifelong memories along the way. In later years, summers were reserved for his grandchildren - trips to the zoo, afternoons at the bowling alley, fishing adventures, and countless moments of laughter. He was a doting husband and truly the best grandpa.

Known for his hospitality, L.A. made legendary top-shelf frozen “millionaire” margaritas and regularly opened his home to neighbors and friends, hosting open houses that brought families together and turned neighbors into lifelong friends.

L.A. was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Mary Ann “Cookie” Thomas, whom he missed dearly, his son, Leonard Andrew Thomas, Jr., and his sister, Betty Wentz. He is survived by his children, Steven Eugene Thomas, Theresa Eileen Thomas, and Melissa Annette Ling and husband James, and daughter in law Michele Carmel Thomas; grandchildren, Samuel Zachary Thomas, and Tyler Edward, Thomas James and wife Samantha, Madison Taylor, and Timothy Scott Ling; nephew, Wayne Ratliff, with whom he shared a special bond; and his beloved cats, Kit Kat and Midnight, who brought him comfort and companionship. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched - as a husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend.

He will be remembered for his steady hands, his generous heart, and the way he made everyone feel welcome.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 6:00 PM at Porter Loring Mortuary, located at 1101 McCullough Ave, San Antonio, Texas 78212. Eulogies and remembrances will begin at 7:00 PM. The next day, Wednesday, January 28, 2026, a funeral service will begin at 10:00 AM, after which a procession will depart for Holy Cross Cemetery where L.A. will be reunited with his beloved Cookie.

While flowers are welcome, please consider making a memorial contribution to St. Phillip's College Automotive Program Scholarship: https://giving.alamo.edu/g/spc