Thomas, Earl Clarence 1916-2007

THOMAS, ROBERTSON, STILLWATER, BRENNAN, BEALL, BAPTISTE

Posted By: Jill McCarville (email)
Date: 7/24/2013 at 16:57:58

Earl Clarence "Tommy" Thomas died November 2, 2007 in Salida, CO, at age 91. Born July 28, 1916 in Cresco, IA, Earl was the sixth child of Edward and Eva Thomas. He was an Iowa state wrestling champion and the first high school boy to win a national AAU title in his weight class in 1934. He graduated from the University of Michigan as a Big Ten wrestling champion and captain of the 1938 team. Earl was the youngest member of the Chicago Board of Trade when he entered military service in 1941.

Earl met June Robertson at a Valentine's Day dance in Seattle and married her on January 2, 1943 in Louisiana.During the Second World War Earl served as a captain, 103rd "Cactus" Infantry Division, 7th Army, in the European Theatre, and was discharged a major. Earl was a Denver restaurateur in the 1950s- "Tommy's Fish 'n
Chips" on S. Colorado Blvd. and The Ship's Galley" on W. Almeda Ave. Later he worked in sales for a variety of companies, traveling throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Leaving Denver, Earl and June lived in Longmont for 32 years before moving to Salida this past summer.They were members of the United Church of Christ (UCC)- the Kirk of the Bonnie Brae in Denver and First Congregational Longmont. Earl loved to paint with oils, carve wood, and was an avid reader. He enjoyed his family and his Welsh heritage. His athletic passions were tennis and golf, which he enjoyed to the end of his long life.

Earl is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, June Elaine Robertson Thomas; daughter: Haven Stillwater, both of Salida; sons: Mark of Portland, Oregon, Kirk of San Francisco, and Scott of London, England; five grandchildren: Shae Brennan of Seattle, Alexander and Jessica Beall of Salida, and Blaise and Jean-Baptiste Thomas of London, England; and by many nieces and nephews.

Earl was preceded in death by all of his siblings-his sisters: Dorothy, Marian and Helen; and his brothers: Blair and Paul.

Earl was remembered in a requiem mass sung in France, prayer wheels spun near the Potala Palace in Tibet, and prayers offered in several American churches. A memorial service will be held at a future time.

Times Plain Dealer November 21, 2007 Page 6A
Transcribed by Jill McCarville from the files of Janice Sowers