Coach Thomas helped so many kids get through school, we couldn't have done it without him.  Losing a loved one is very tough, but know they are now watching over you!

Pat, Mike, & Andy,
I was filled with great sadness when I heard of Frank's passing.  Of course he will always be "Coach Thomas" to me, I don't think I could ever call him Frank.  I first met Coach Thomas & Pat when I was a junior at YUHS.  I was in Coach Thomas's Driver's Ed class.  He asked if I would baby sit for his little boy Mike and of course I did.  Over the next two years he and Pat were good friends of both me and my parents. I got to see Coach Thomas again over the years when I came back to Yuma for class reunions and  he never really changed, still soft spoken and smiling.  He was a great coach and friend to all who knew him.  He will always be remembered with fondness and for the great man that he was.  My deepest sympathies and prayers to Pat, Mike and Andy.

As a face is reflected in water,
so the heart reflects the real person.Prov 27:19 
I know Frank had a good heart he left so many of us with words of encouragement, a kind smile and words of wisdom and for that we have been touched. He was special and will be greatly missed but not forgotten!I am also Thankful for his service to our country! Rest with God until that Great trumpet sounds.
Donna Elder

Dear Pat, Mike and Andy,
I feel so blessed to have known Frank as a teacher, coach, fellow teacher and friend. May our Lord Jesus wrap his loving arms around you during your time of sorrow. I will never forget Coach Thomas!

God blessed the world with Mr. Thomas, a man of strength, courage, dedication and integrity. God now has him in heaven an a guardian angel over all of us, just like he used to be at Yuma High. I wish that more men like him existed in the world to influence the kids of today. They would've been so fortunate to know him. I'm so glad that he was a part of our family's life and a role model to us. His happy smile and big hugs will be missed. God bless you, Uncle Frank!

Mrs. Thomas, Mike & Andy,
My deepest condolences.
Mr. Thomas had such a strong positive demeanor about him that it effected other in the same way. Mr. Thomas will be missed but not forgotten. He is at peace & receiving his just reward with the Lord.
You all are in my Prayers.
Sincerely,
Ray Montalvo

Coach......there was a time.....there was a place....you said set a goal......set a high.....thanks for helping me get there.....class of "67"

Mr Thomas was always that one teacher we all liked being around, no matter what kind of day we had. His warm soul touched us all, who knew him. I always remember his always ready hand shake and smile. R.I.P Couch Thomas

Uncle Frank forever you will be to me....although my heart is heavy and sad I know you lived a full life and will bring as much joy to heaven as you did here on earth.  Thank you for always being there for me in my younger years as a child and teen.  Your smile and caring personality will always be how I remember you.  You were a huge inspiration in my life.  I love you for what you taught me and how you always accepted me as your own blood.  My condolences and prayers go out to the entire family.  Thank you for contributing to the man I am today.....Maxers Axer you will always be!  

Forever in my heart...

Love Jr and family!

Dear Tata, I miss you. I want to see you again. I love you. Your grandson Mason.

Coach Thomas was a friend and mentor, as well as a teacher. I will always remember him and the lessons I learned from him in school, and after.

I will always remember Mr Thomas, & can can easily recall his ready smile. He was one of the nicest teachers I had the pleasure of knowing during my years at YHS. He was loved by so many! A light gone out too soon.

Mr Thomas,

You will be truely missed.  You were an important part of my life and I thank you for that.

What patience to teach reluctant P. E. students in addition to the good foot ball stars.  Mr. Thomas taught all of us well.  My  prayers are with the family.

Les Baumgarner

Coach Thomas touched many students over the years. He was my teacher,coach, a person i respected. Refed many of his football games over the years. Glad i got to see him at the 40th yr class reunion.  RIP Coach Thomas. You left your mark..God Bless
YHS Class 61-64

Coach Thomas was a great teacher and better friend.  He will be missed by all

Pat Mitchell

Coach Thomas was a very special teacher.  He was firm, fair and an inspiration to his students and players.  Coach displayed a dedication that taught us that if we worked hard we would succeed.  He was always available and open to students that just wanted to talk to him about anything.  Thank you Coach. You will always be remembered.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I am truly saddened upon learning of the passing of Coach Thomas.  He was a great American hero, a coaching legend, and one geat guy. I am so glad to have seen and talked with him at the Hall of Fame celebration.  I can still see this youthful man, military hero, NAU football legend,running around the field at practice with his shorts & T, and a whistle around his neck.  God comfort his family and give them peace at this time of unreal grief.
Mel Bivins- YUHS 1959-1963

 My condolences and sincere sympathy to all of you during this difficult time.

R.I.P. Coach Thomas. Didn't realize how decorated you were from the marines. You will be remembered

To Pat and her family, I was saddened when I heard of Frank's passing. He was a very special man...and who would have guessed that I would call him my friend after all these years. To Mike and Andy, hold on to your memories of your Dad...I know there must be many. To Pat, he loved you so much.  To Frank, you will be missed.
Laura Welter-Sweet Class of 65

Pat, Mike and Andy,

So many wonderful memories it is hard to know where to start.  Always so kind and soft spoken.  A great friend to me and everyone.  Especially remember JR looking forward to Frank's weekly visit. 

San Diego trips, our raccoon at the beach, hiking out of Havasupai canyon by moon light and many family outings together.

My thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times.  I am sure Frank and JR are enjoying their favorite breakfast together in heaven.

John Stephens

Mr Thomas was a great teacher who truly cared for his students,he was firm not mean and a gentle giant,thanks for giving me another teacher to look up to,just a couple days ago i drove by Mr. Thomas home n wondered how he was.to the family we send our most sincere condolances during this tough time.Mr Thomas pump some iron for me in heaven my good friend.

To Andy and the Thomas family, my condolences and sincere sympathy to all of you during this difficult time.  RIP Mr. Thomas, you were a great man.

I was able to talk to Coach Thomas at Life Care before he passed. I remember that he was always upfront with people and told us what he thought. To the Thomas family my heart goes out to you during this time. Heaven just got an "All American" God speed Coach!

Dear Tata, I really miss you. Rest in peace next to God. I will see you again in Heaven. Love your favorite granddaughter, Maria.

Our most sincere sympathies to all of you. Thru Marcelle our daughter when she married Michael, we had the pleasure to meet the rest of the family.  We loved
 everyone of them and Michael is very special to us, so is Andy.  Frank and Pat were always a pleasure to see when they visited Michael and Marcelle and now they have 2 wonderful little kids, Maria and Mason which they are so special to us.  Frank rest in peace, it was a pleasure to meet you and I know that you have a special place in God's registrar. 

Love, Harvey and Gemma Moore

Pat, you and Mr. Thomas were always such great neighbors.  After my mom died, Mr. Thomas always checked on me and made me feel safer when I was living alone. I learned a lot of life lessons from him and how to appreciate the beauty around us for the short time we are here on earth. I appreciate you both so much and I am praying for you and the rest of the family!!

My sympathy goes out to Coach Thomas' family.  I remember babysitting for the boys.  I will miss you.  Love, Terri Williamson

There were many wonderful teachers at Yuma High in the '60s when I attended, and Coach Thomas was  right up there with the finest.  He will be remembered fondly.  My sympathy to the family and all who loved and will miss him.

I offer my condolences to the Thomas Family. A Coach touches many lives not knowing where, who  or how 
that touch will inspire and unite. Coach Thomas has the characteristics of a legend. I trust that I can carry on that tradition. Thanks for the lead block. Rest in peace, and may peace be upon your soul. Coach J.R. DeHorney Head Girls Basketball Jack Yates High 
School Houston Texas.

To a YHS Hall of Famer who has now joined the ranks of the angels.  Your legend will be carried on through the many lives you touched

Pat and kids-
Your husband/father made a huge impact on so many people throughout his career.  May your lives be carried in the hands of God as you travel this journey of loss.

Coach Thomas was one of the great, inspirational teachers at Yuma High. I was never much of an athlete, but he challenged me to do my best, and never give up, even if the outcome was not in doubt. Deepest sympathies to his family - Phil Jackson, Jr.

To Pat, Mike, and Andy, I was so sorry to hear of Frank's passing. It hurts for a little while but it does heal.
"Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear." Love you Coach!!

To Pat and family. Coach Thomas was always bigger than life at Yuma High. He filled a room with his energy. I remember making cookies for the football team before  3 games. They lost all 3 games, he ask me not to make cookies again. I told him I wasn't going to becasue I thought that my cookies is  why we lost. I reminded him of that story many years later, and he was shocked  he would say such a thing.  I told don't be, I was not offended. But the very next game won, never made those cookies again! May he rest in peace and may your wonderful memories warm your hearts.

Although I never played football in high school and there was no girls' softball team in my day, Frank Thomas was "Coach" to everyone.  I did have him for a teacher though (anatomy) and he was one of the few people who seemed to remember everyone who ever returned to Yuma or to the high school, no matter how long one was gone.  He remembered my name always and was genuinely interested in where life had taken me.  My brother, Vance (Morse), admired Coach as well, although injuries prevented him from playing football beyond his freshman year.  He had an indelible impact on every kid he came in contact with and taught fairness through example. 
Pam-Anela ("Pammie") Messenger

Our sympathies to the Thomas family, Coach Frank Thomas took time to see the kids and understand them,we will miss you Godspeed Coach Thomas ! YHS 74

Coach Thomas was always the good guy, the all American, who set standards high, so we could be good Americans, he will be missed Prayers alwasy Coach Thomas

To Andy and the Family: So sorry to hear about your dad. Our family knew your family way back, and having Mr. Thomas made it even better,he was cool,easy passing. Our thoughts and prayers go to all.
 God Bless ,
Frank J. Garcia
Sally Jo Valencia
Rachel A. Garcia

To Mr. Thomas' family, my deepest sympathies.  My dad abandoned us and Mr. Thomas, although he never knew, was the best male role model any high schooler could have.  He was kind, patient, and a very good health teacher.  Heaven has gained an incredible angel.

A great man, a great mentor to our kids and a great friend.  God just got a super angel.  We will miss you but know that you will live forever in the lives you touched.  God Bless Pat and the boys.

To Frank Thomas' family,
It is with great sorrow that I heard of the death of Coach Thomas. He was a true friend and coach to me, and he was the one that encouraged my football career. I looked today at the photo of him in Yuma signing me to Arizona State University at the age of 17. It brings back great memories. He was a legendary coach, a community leader, and activist for students, and someone that will always remain near and dear to me.  My prayers and condolences to the family. In Christ,   Curley  Culp

first and foremost, I offer my sincere condolence to the bereaved family of Mr. Frank Thomas. There are many a people who carries the title of a coach. However, Mr. Frank Thomas was a coach among coaches. Deriving in Yuma from a segregated South in 1961, having played under coach Thomas was a privileged and honor. Now that I have had time to reflect back on it, coach Thomas was not only a inspiration but a guiding light of my future being with his charismatic ways. Coming from the South I was popularized with condemnation. Coach Thomas taught me two things about life that knowledge arrives from experience or a mentor and the power of position. Position is the greatest spot on the Universe and from that spot a creation is born. From the form of the three w's want, will, and work that will give way to success.
My son carries the title of coach J.R. DeHorney
   
Thanks coach for a job well done!

No meatballs and orange juice 3 hours before a game.
 May you rest in peace coach Frank Thomas.

Jun F. DeHorney class of '63
Glendale AZ.

Dear Mike, Andy, Pat and all of the family members, thank you for sharing Mr. Thomas with so may of us.  You're a great family, and the world is a better place because of your fantastic husband and father.  Who knows how many of us thought that we were his favorite students. He made each one of us feel like the best.  I got to see him on January 11, 2013 and YUP!  He made me feel the same as always, lucky to know him!

Please rest in peace Coach Thomas. A great coach and a great man who i will always remember. YHS class of 1971.

OBITUARY

Frank G. Thomas

August 4, 1933 – March 3, 2013

Johnson Mortuary & Desert Lawn Memorial Park

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