Rest in Peace, Walter

Thanks to BILL KING, who sent the following to me, we now have an obituary for the late WALTER THOMAS:

"Walter H. Thomas, 81, of Alpine, Texas, passed away July 22, 2021, at UMC in El Paso, Texas. His ashes will be interred in the Old Runnels Cemetery in Ballinger, Texas, at a date to be determined. Walter was born the youngest of six siblings on Aug. 16, 1939, in Ballinger. His parents were the late Leon and Jewell Thomas. On July 2, 1964, he married Diana Martin in Midland, Texas. After graduation from Ballinger High School in 1957, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a heavy vehicle operator. Upon his discharge, he was employed by the Texas Department of Transportation. He later began a career in the freight business from which he retired. Walter enjoyed music and friends, bringing a smile to most people who knew him. He loved listening to the Alpine Cowboy’s games while sitting on his front porch. Walter is survived by his wife Diana Martin Thomas; his son Charles Wayne Thomas; two sisters, Dorothy Burke and Francis Shiller (Leroy); daughter-in-law Imelda Thomas; grandchildren Makenzie Bledsoe, Owen Thomas, and Mary Thomas; and great grandchild Graham Dyer, along with many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Thomas was preceded in death by his son Gregory Allen Thomas; brothers Billy Jack Thomas and Archie Thomas; and brother-in-law Ken Burke."

Condolences to Diana and family.

With love, 

Marilyn and BHS Class of 1957

OUR CLASS JUST GOT SMALLER

Greg Thomas' 1st Easter

(This was published in 2008.)  

"I recently ran across some pictures taken in Midland in 1965. I think this one of Diana (BHS '64) and WALTER THOMAS is particularly good. I forwarded it and one of their first son, Gregory, to Diana. I was sad when she wrote back that Greg has just finished chemo and radiation treatments and is to undergo surgery (called the Whipple procedure) for cancerous cysts on his pancreas. I know you will all want to join me in sending our love and prayers for his complete recovery." 

Mr & Mrs Greg Thomas

Sadly, WALTER and Diana's son Gregory lost his battle with cancer a few years later. And sadly, now WALTER is gone as well. I cannot imagine the grief that Diana and their younger son are going through.

WALTER was a funny, talented man. He entertained us along with TER COTHRAN during the 50th Class Reunion. At the time, WALTER was playing bass guitar with a country/western band, but he didn't charge for playing for us at the after-party!

In lieu of a formal obituary, I thought these photos taken at the 50th Class Reunion would bring back memories of the WALTER we all knew and loved. Of course, I will update you with any new information I receive. In the meantime, if you will read the bio that WALTER wrote for the 50th Class Reunion handbook you will smile as you remember him! Please hold Diana and their family in your thoughts and prayers.

Until next time.

Peace and Love,

Marilyn