John Edward Thomas

A memorial service to celebrate John’s life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1401 W Central Ave, Temple, Texas 76504. A visitation will be held an hour prior from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 pm at Stranger Cemetery in Stranger, Texas.

He was born on January 7, 1937, to Travis Raye Thomas and Donnie Davis Thomas in Little Rock, Arkansas. He lived with his parents and older siblings on their grandparents’ farm in Magnolia, Arkansas. His older sisters Donnie Jean, Lorna, and Ann, his brother Winton, along with many cousins were his constant companions. Days full of fun and adventure. His father’s occupation with the oil industry resulted in several moves for the family, traveling to where the job was.

The last and final move to Abilene, Texas led to lifelong friendships and a career in football. That career began at North Jr. High School where he helped lead the team to two city championships and was a member of the “All City Team”.

In 1953 John helped the Abilene High Eagles have a good season record and he was on the “All District Team”. In 1954 John became a captain of the Eagles and helped the team win the district championship and he was All District Pick!

The Eagles went on to win the State Championship and John was on the “All State Team”.

The Eagles Head Coach, Chuck Moser and the Assistant and Line Coach, Hank Watkins said that John was the best lineman that they had ever coached. His teammates became lifelong friends. They continued reunions well into their eighties. Always full of great stories. He was honored to play beside them.

After graduating from High School, he attended McMurry where he was a young Grant Teaff’s first All-American Player. He attended Hardin Simmons University as well. Both honored him in 2018, the same year he was inducted into The Big Country Hall of Fame.

He married the love of his life Carolyn Janniece Thomas, and they shared sixty-six years of marriage. She preceded him in death in 2022; along with his sisters Donnie Jean and Lorna; and brother Winton.

John is survived by daughters Gina (Thomas) Wiener (Joseph), son James E. Thomas (Olha), son Donald G. Thomas and daughter Julia (Thomas) Layton (Charles). He was a beloved Paw Paw to nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Also survived by his beloved sister Ann Swart; sister-in-law Linda Scott; cousins, nephews and nieces who all loved their Uncle John.

He was a positive force. His physical strength was unmatched. He was always involved in his grandchildren’s activities, front and center. Hauling livestock to shows, football games, basketball games, soccer games and even dancing with beautiful brides at their weddings, he might have been the oldest best man ever, but he proved to be the best! He was the solid rock we all depended on. His girls always had their Valentine, and, in the fall, you might just have a big pumpkin delivered to your porch!

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his honor to Operation Christmas Child or to a favorite charity.

The family would like to thank Accent Hospice, Briana, Tanisha, Chanda, and Mercy House for their superior care and love for our Dad.

Please share your memories and messages, he was always there to help with a big smile, he will be missed.