Sellers J. Thomas Jr., M.D.

Sellers J. Thomas, Jr., M.D., died on Monday, the 27th of May 2013, after a number of years of debilitating Alzheimer’s disease. A fifth-generation Texan, he was born in Houston to Loretta Grim and Sellers J. Thomas, Sr. on the 18th of January 1925. Dr. Thomas - Christian, Physician, Patriot, Humorist, Consummate Gentleman - was a loved and loving husband and father.

Dr. Thomas attended The Kinkaid School (Richmond Guard) and was in the first graduating class of Lamar High School. After attending Rice Institute, he went to The University of Texas and remained a loyal Longhorn Fan. At The University, he was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity (third generation) and the Silver Spurs. He graduated from Tulane Medical School, a member of Phi Chi Medical Fraternity. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the V-12 Program and, in the Korean War, was a Lieutenant and medical officer on the USS Electra.

Dr. Thomas was a dedicated physician and was greatly respected by those who worked with him, as well as by his patients. A Clinical Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, he was Assistant Chief of Surgery at The Methodist Hospital where he also served as President of the Medical Staff. In 2010, Methodist honored him “for a lifetime of excellence in compassionate and ethical medical care, dedicated service, and leadership.” He was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, American College of Chest Surgeons, Texas Surgical Society, American Thoracic Society, Houston Surgical Society, Royal Society of Medicine, Southwestern Surgical Congress, Texas Thoracic Society, DeBakey International Surgical Society, American Medical Association, Southern Medical Association, and Harris County Medical Society.

Dr. Thomas and his wife greatly enjoyed their Hill Country home. Their restoration of the 1836 schoolhouse in Cherry Spring won them awards and the house a Texas historical designation.

A Houstonian to the core, Dr. Thomas was a lifelong member of Christ Church Cathedral, where he served on the Vestry. In the 1970’s, he was instrumental in having Houston’s Old Sixth Ward designated a National Historical Neighborhood. He was a Board Member of the Bayou Preservation Society and Sheltering Arms, and supported many other community organizations. He was an Honorary Member of The Garden Club of Houston for which he established the biennial Thomas Horticulture Lecture. Other affiliations were the Bayou Club of Houston, Houston Country Club, and Sons of the American Revolution.

Survived by his beloved family: Nancy Thomas, wife of 65 years; daughters Kingslea von Helms and husband Michael, Loretta Thomas and husband Dennis Spates, Hester Hawkins and husband George; son Sellers J. Thomas III and wife Kim; grandchildren Oliver Hawkins, Radkey Jolink and wife Christine, Caleb Hawkins, Nellen Hawkins, Madeline Spates, Sarah May Thomas and Sellers J. Thomas IV; and great-grandchildren Mason and Miles Jolink.

The family extends its love and endless gratitude to Barbara Stewart, and deep appreciation to Dr. Thomas’ other caregivers Glenda Stewart and Louvelle Armstrong, and the dedicated nursing staff at The Hallmark.

The family is most grateful to and for Ella Jewett and Clifton Haggen who have been with the family for many years.

A memorial service celebrating Dr. Thomas’ life is to be conducted at three o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 31st of May at Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Avenue in Houston. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the adjacent Reynolds Hall. There is also complimentary parking in the nearby parking garage at the church.

Prior to the service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions may be made in Dr. Thomas’ memory to the Endowment Fund of Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX, 77002; the Thomas Horticulture Lecture, c/o The Garden Club of Houston, 4212 San Felipe, #486, Houston, TX, 77027-2902; or the charity of one’s choice.