DEATH NOTICE

On November 29,2016, John Lee Thomas, a long-time rancher and resident of Gage since 1921, died in Mesa, Arizona, at the age of 95. John succumbed to injuries as a result of a severe head trauma after a fall in Woodward, Oklahoma on January 21, 2016.

John's wishes for cremation will be followed by his memorial service at the Believer's Chapel in Gage, Oklahoma, on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at 11:00am. The service will be followed by a 12:00 luncheon and reception at the Gage Community Center, Gage, Oklahoma.

OBITUARY

John Lee Thomas, the eldest child of Lester B. Thomas and Bessie Drake Thomas, was born on September 12, 1921. With the exception of his tour of duty in the Army Air Corps and his attendance at Northwestern State College and Oklahoma A&M College, he lived in the Gage area his entire life.

John was the eldest of three children of Lester and Bessie who were lifelong ranchers north of Gage. John's Grandfather, J.B. Thomas, was the Ellis County Sheriff and was known as the "Sheriff Without A Gun." John grew up as a cowboy; joined his parents' church, Gage Church of Christ, as a youth; attended Gage schools for 12 years; played basketball and graduated in 1939 from Gage High School. After graduation, John went to study Animal Husbandry at Northwestern State College, Alva, Oklahoma later known as Northwestern Oklahoma State University. After his freshman year, in the fall of 1940, John transferred to Oklahoma A&M. As did many young men in the Gage area, John left school to join the military after Pearl Harbor 1941. He joined the Army Air Corps March 17, 1942.

In Waco, Texas, John served in the Army Air Corps as a Link Trainer Instructor and taught range navigation to officers and instructed aviation cadets in instrument flying procedures. He was a qualified radio mechanic and maintained and operated aircraft radio equipment. Sergeant Thomas was discharged on November 26, 1945.

John returned to Gage and worked on his family's ranch until he returned to Oklahoma A&M, Stillwater, Oklahoma, to complete his BS in Animal Husbandry in May 1952. His association with OSU lasted his entire life and he truly had "orange blood." He was an avid OSU sports fan and he had season tickets to attend wrestling, baseball, football and basketball games. He especially loved to talk about his trips to watch the Final Four.

After graduation from OSU, he taught in Fargo and was employed by ASCS as an inspector before he returned to full-time ranching which occupied his life until he retired in the mid-1980s. During this time he served as a Board Member of the Production Credit Association and he continued his love of sports by keeping score at many of the Gage High School sporting events. He pursued his love of cards by joining several bridge clubs. John was a master bridge player and he played twice a week until his accident at the age of 94.

John married first, Laura Schneider and they established a home in the Arnett area. After her untimely death, he married Evelyn Mitchell Chastain in 1981. During their 36-year marriage, John and Evelyn ranched in Arnett before retirement, moved to Woodward, vacationed in Arizona, New Mexico, South Texas, New York, and finally to Gage where they lived until January 2016. After his accident, John was transferred to Mesa, Arizona with his many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

John Lee Thomas was preceded in death by his father Lester B. Thomas and his Mother, Bessie Drake Thomas, his sister Flora Mae Cleburn and his brother Donald Thomas. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Evelyn Mitchell Chastain Thomas and his step daughters and their families: Carole Chastaing, Mesa, Arizona, Barbara Fesler and Jack Fesler, Edmond, Oklahoma and Sherry Chastain, Denton, Texas, 8 step-grandchildren and 14 step-great-grandchildren, nephew, Brian Cleburn and many cousins.

John lived a long and productive life and he will be remembered for his love of OSU, sports and bridge, quiet humor, ready smile and a handshake that was a promise. He was truly a valuable member of the Great Generation.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warriors or the church of your choice.