Lt. Col. Oscar E. Theis

Oscar Theis, age 92, of Thorndale died peacefully at home on his farm on Wednesday, October 17th. He had a great love for his God, country, family, farming, Westies, and Texas A&M. He cared for many and had a wit that will be missed by all.

Oscar was born on January 6, 1920 on that same farm to Gus and Tillie Theis. He was baptized on January 8, 1920 and confirmed in 1933 by Rev. F. H. Stelzer who also selected 1st Timothy 1, verse 15 as Oscar’s memory verse.

Oscar enlisted in the Army Air Force in November 1930. He flew 117 combat missions as a fighter pilot in Europe and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal with 19 Oak Leaf Clusters, Distinguished Unit Award, and the European Theater Badge with 6 Battle Stars. He retired from the U. S. Air Force Reserve on January 6, 1980 with the rank of Lt. Colonel.

As a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, he served as a Sunday School teacher, assistant treasurer, treasurer, and as a member of the evangelism committee, finance committee, Board of Education, Board of Trustees, and Board of Elders. Oscar also served on the board of trustees of the Thorndale Co-Op Gin and Grain as well as member of the Thorndale V.F.W.

On May 12, 1946 the Rev. F. H. Stelzer married Oscar and Iris Faye Melde. He is survived by their three children, William Theis of Cotati, CA; Sid Theis of Dallas; and Mary Ellen Krueger of Thrall and six grandchildren. He had a special love for his nieces Vicki Meyers, Angela Sanders, and Annette Searles, as well as for his recent caretakers Jaci Hayden and Carissa Goetz. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Iris on January 7, 1992, his sister Mildred Heinemeier and niece Vicki. Oscar married Elsie Terry July 6, 1997 who preceded him in death on December 7, 2010.