Obituary of Douglas Thomas

Funeral services for Douglas K. Thomas, 77, Arp, will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 7, 2009 in the Cottle-Pearson Funeral Home Chapel, Overton, with Reverend Johnny Wright and Blake Thompson officiating. Military burial services follow in Mason Cemetery, Arp. Mr. Thomas died Friday, December 4, 2009 in a hospice facility in Tyler. He was born August 12, 1932 in Zwolle, Louisiana to the late James Oliver and Ruby Leon Hicks Thomas. He was a life long resident of Arp and graduated from London High School. He attended Texas Tech University and received his Associates Degree in Applied Science from Odessa College. He is a veteran of the US Army and married Johnnie Lou Mason April 18, 1953 in Overton. He worked all his life in the oilfield and was the owner and operator of East Texas Supply Company. He was a member of Rocky Mt. Masonic Lodge #63, Overton, and was a Past Master Mason. He was a member of the Eastern Star and had served as Worshipful Master. He was also a member of Calvary Baptist Church of Overton. Mr. Thomas was a loving and frisky husband. He was also a loving father and grandfather and enjoyed gardening. Besides his parents he was also preceded in death by a brother, Oliver Thomas and a sister, Laurice Pacanza. Survivors include his wife of 56 years Johnnie Thomas of Arp; a son and daughter-in-law, David Keith and Judy Thomas of Overton; a grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Blake and Lesley Thompson of Tyler; and a host of other family and friends. Pallbearers will be Michael McElroy, Andrew McElroy, Richard Easley, Rodney Easley, Billy Paul Evans, Robert Raney and Buddy Furquron. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm, Sunday, December 6.