Bill Thomas

Bill Alfred Thomas, 94, went to his heavenly home on February 18, 2021.He is affectionately remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and friend by those blessed to have known him.

Bill was born February 15, 1927 in Martha, Oklahoma, to Johnny Ruler and Sallie Mae (Dean) Thomas. He graduated from Martha High School in 1944 and honorably served his country in the United States Merchant Marine.

Bill married Ruth Adean Graves on December 27, 1945, and was the proud father of three children whom he loved dearly—Brenda, Danny, and Paula. Bill and Ruth’s marriage lasted 75 devoted years and resulted in 9 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

He worked at Halliburton Services for 29 years in a variety of roles. He started as a driver, a cementer, a tool operator, and served as Superintendent of the Healdton Field Camp. In 1980 he started his own business—Thomas Oil Tools— which he operated until his retirement in 2000.

Bill was an avid fisherman—a favorite pastime was making his own jigs and lures. Bill and Ruth were “Winter Texans” and regularly vacationed at Lake Fork and Aransas Pass, where they’d fish for Sheepshead. He loved to work in his yard and garden—if you stopped by for a visit to the home, you’d likely find him outdoors and he’d tell you all about his latest project. He loved shooting pool and was right at home anywhere near a billiards table. Bill loved to volunteer at his church, Impact580, and spend time with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He owned several dogs throughout his life and loved them all dearly.

Bill is survived by: his loving wife, Ruth; children: Danny and wife Joyce Thomas of Marlow, and Paula and husband Rick Marshall of Edmond; grandchildren: Tamra and husband Dr. Jody Atchley, Jana Ford, Dr. Jeffery and wife Jennifer Edwards, Rodney and wife Kathi Thomas, Christie and husband Darryl Amundson, Amanda and husband Matthew Parcher, Jason and wife Cheree Orr, Ashlee and husband Kyle Sanders, and Mackenzie and husband Sean Chitwood; 15 great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny Ruler and Sallie Mae Thomas; daughter: Brenda Edwards, survived by Tommy Edwards; brothers: Raymond Thomas, Lee Roy Thomas, J.D. Thomas; and sisters: Mary Thomas, Nelda Thomas.

The family will receive friends at Whitt Funeral Home on Monday, February 22, 5:00-7:00P.M. Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, February 23, at 2:00P.M. at Ray of Hope Church. Pastor Mike McCord will officiate; serving as pallbearers will be: Rodney Thomas, Dr. Jeffrey Edwards, Jason Orr, Dr. Jody Atchley, Kyle Sanders, and Rick Marshall. His grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers. Interment will follow at Duncan Municipal Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Whitt Funeral Home. Memorial contributions can be made to American Diabetes Association or American Heart Association. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.whittfh.com.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Kindful Hospice, whose staff cared for Bill with compassion, respect, and dignity in his final days.

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