Foster Turner Thomas

Foster T, Thomas, III was one who loved and trusted God and received wonderful blessings throughout his life that God had prepared for him. He was born November 20, 1932, in Houston, Texas. Foster married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Ruffin Thomas, and to this union two children were born, Cassandra Dian and Cordelia Ann. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mrs. Birdie Lee Mallet, his father, Mr. Chester Mallet, his Father Foster T, Thomas, Jr., a nephew, Kenneth Mallet and a niece, Leah Mallet.

Mr. Thomas accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at an early age and united with the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Leesville, Louisiana. He taught youth Sunday School, later served in the Men’s Ministry and Deacon for over 25 years before moving to North Richland Hills, Texas in 1998. Believing profoundly that “A family that prays together stays together”, he united with the Beth-Eden Missionary Baptist Church, Fort Worth, Texas where he faithfully attended until his heath declined.

Foster received his early educational trainings in the Vernon Parish Schools, Leesville, Louisiana and graduated from Vernon High School in 1950. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army where he honorably served for three years. Coach, as he is affectionally called, received his Bachelors’ Degree in Physical Education and Social Sciences from Grambling State University, Grambling, Louisiana and his Masters’ Degree in Administration-Supervision from McNeese State University, Lake Charles, Louisiana. He began his teaching and coaching experience at Arcadia High School, Arcadia, Louisiana for one year. Moving back to Leesville in 1958, he began teaching at Vernon High School and was named Head Football Coach. Coach Thomas served as Coach and Assistant Principal in Vernon Parish for 23 years. He served also as Supervisor of Instruction from 1972-1980 and Director of Special Services from 1980-1991. After thirty-four years educating, guiding and encouraging the students of Vernon Parish, Foster “Coach” Thomas retired in 1991. His life reflects his love for Christ, his family and his fellowman.

Mr. Foster T. Thomas, III is survived and fondly remembered by his loving, faithful and devoted wife, Patricia Ann Ruffin Thomas; His children: Cassandra Dian Thomas Wilson (Chauncy) and Cordelia Ann Thomas Thompson (Darrell); Three Grand-children: Chantel Ashley Thompson, Elicia Wilson and Darrell Dewayne Thompson (Jessica); Seven Great Grand Children: Dillon Christopher, Noah Alexander, Jason Jerome, Danielle Janae, Micah Michelle, Zaylee Anaya and Lori Chanel; Three brothers: Clarence Dale Mallet (Mary), Hayward, California, Donald Ray Mallet (Arnita), Leesville, Louisiana and Rev. Michael Daniel Mallet (Jacqueline), Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A blessed child, Dayon Demond Mallet, and host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.