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BORN
1928
DIED
2014
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Abner Thomas Obituary
Abner L. Thomas, Sr. of SeaTac WA passed away on July 27, 2014 at the age of 86. He was born July 4, 1928 to Jesse and Lula Mae Thomas in Tyler, Texas, one of nine children. He attended Jarvis Christian College on a football scholarship. In 1947 Abner enlisted in the US Army, serving in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, retiring as a Sergeant in the Military Police in 1968, at Fort Lewis, WA.
Abner was a Sergeant with the Port of Seattle Police Department for 9 years, then promoted to POS Airport Operations Supervisor, retiring in 1989. Abner's community contributions included Commissioner for the Port of Seattle Police Department, and Advocate for the SeaTac City Fire Department. Abner was the first person of color to serve as a SeaTac City Councilman. He was also a member of The Breakfast Group.
From 1973 until 1989 Abner volunteered to work with the University of Washington Football Team. Upon retirement, UW Athletic Director Mike Lude hired Abner as a Special Assistant with UW Football, where he spent the next 25 years doing what he loved: mentoring and supporting student athletes. Abner was an influence for 41 years in the lives of UW football players and athletes who knew him as "Uncle Ab" and "Big Ab."
Abner is survived by his wife Donna (37 years), his children Rosa Patricia Montgomery, Howard J. Thomas, Delores J. Gary and Abner L. Thomas, Jr. (Julie), his brother Jesse Thomas, Jr (Lillie) of Santa Barbara, CA, sister Clara Johnson of Los Angeles, CA, cousin Lucille Fisher of Mercer Island, Wa and brother-in-law Michael Cassidy (Cheryl), Wenatchee, Wa. He cherished his seven grandchildren: Raina & Dax Montgomery, Trenton Gary, Jessica DuBose (Edgar), Michael Thomas (Kisha), Marc Thomas, and Dion Thomas. He absolutely adored his twelve great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. They will deeply miss his love and presence in their lives.
A Celebration of Abner's Life will be held at the University of Washington on Thursday, August 7th at 1:00 P.M. in the Don James Center at Husky Stadium (parking in E-12 & E-17 lots). No flowers please. Donations to the UW Athletic Scholarship Fund, in honor of Abner Thomas, c/o Tyee Club, BOX 354070, Seattle 98195 (206-543-2234).
Private Burial. Guest Book for remembrances at:
www.yaringtons.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Abner Thomas
Sponsored by The Family.
July 23, 2015
My sincere condolences on your great loss. May you find peace and comfort during this sad time...Psalms 25:16,17
September 10, 2014
"wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it. Right is right even if no one is doing it."-Abner Thomas Most of his life.Abner I know you are at practice now with coach James and Peggy typing the play books.Until we meet again........my brother.Edit (in 6 minutes)
donna the Watson Family loves you and feels your sorrow.
Flavia Rousu
September 7, 2014
I learned of Abner's passing at the UW-EW football game yesterday. What a Husky Legend, indeed. Donna, I met you several times at SeaTac when I worked at the ticket counter for United Airlines. "AT" was my best friend [and everyone's!] whenever he came by our area to check on us. He mentored every airline agent at SeaTac while he was mentoring young people at the UW. I loved pointing him out to our children through the years as we're long-time Husky season-ticket holders, and my kids and [deceased] sweetheart and I all graduated from the U. "AT" was one of a kind - I'll never forget him. He loved everyone he met. Bless you all.
Lesa Ellis
August 14, 2014
Donna, I am truly sorry for your loss. Whenever I saw you and Abner, it brought a smile to my face.
DELORES GARY
August 13, 2014
Love you daddy.
Todd Kester
August 11, 2014
What a loss for the Husky Football family. I remember Abner from my time there on the team and, more impressively, he remembered me when I would see him at the Big W functions in these later years. He was always friendly and interested in how and what I was doing. His presence will be missed.
Derry/Carolynne Fries
August 7, 2014
We will always remember Abner as a superior human being and soldier. He was sincere, funny and a mentor to a young soldier and his family. RIP God Bless his family
isolde kummert
August 7, 2014
Abner Sr., you were a light for so many, you will never be forgotten. Your wonderful family, children, G.children are the result of your example and life. Rest in peace, Isolde- alias " Ms. Ann" to you.
Randy Stevenson
August 7, 2014
Hello Thomas family what a great gift to the world Abners life was, is and always will be. He certainly made an impact on my life. I am gonna miss those great conversation we shared you inspired me to be always strive at being my best.Thanks for being a good neighbor-but more importantly a great friend. To Donna and the rest of family and loved ones thanks for sharing this great MAN with all of us.He certainly will be missed but never forgotten. God bless!!
Evonne
August 6, 2014
If we combine our memories of dear Abner Thomas they would fill a very thick book. He was caring, funny and a knowledgeable man. My sympathy to Donna and his children. He and Pete must be dancing with great joy.
Marge and Ed Koreny
August 6, 2014
Abner was the best of the best! He had charm, kindness, smarts, and respect! You two showed a glowing love in your marriage. Heaven is rejoicing as we are mourning his departure. Abner was so loved.
Bonny Nordgren
August 6, 2014
Donna I am so sorry for your loss. It was always great to see and visit with Abner, a fellow Texan. My thoughts and prayers are with you and his family. Love, Bonny
Stephen Coccia
August 6, 2014
Donna and the entire Thomas family
I am deeply sorry for your loss. There was noone like Abner. It was privilege to have known him. He was a special person to so many. Thank you for sharing him. He will be missed by me and many others.
August 6, 2014
Husky Stadium will never be the same without you, Abner. We already miss you so much, you were a light at the end of the tunnel. But I know you are with DJ and I'm sure he's happy to have your wonderful company! xoxoxo and much love to Donna
Morgen McLain Whitney
August 5, 2014
Donna I was so shocked to hear about Abner. I will never forget what a great comfort he was when my Papa died. He was an amazing man and he always listened and gave honest advice. I wish that I were able to be in WA and come to the service. The world lost a wonderful man. I'm sure he and Papa Pete are laughing and joking right now with my parents. Love to your family!
Kathie & Simon Wise Willmore
August 5, 2014
I will always remember Abner as "Uncle Abner" and how he was such a wonderful part of our family! Dad always thought of Abner as his brother and loved him like a brother!
I am so sorry for your loss Donna! He was a wonderful man and you were an excellent wife to him.
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time!
Love,
Kathie and Simon Wise Willmore
Ellon Jarvis
August 5, 2014
Such a loss-Donna you are such a wonderful person, and it was obvious you and Abner had found your soul mates.
Scott and I grieve for you.
Ellon Jarvis
Rebecca Drewes
August 5, 2014
Dear Donna (sister), Our sorrow is added to yours this day. I will always treasure Abner's wisdom, big smile, hugs and wild dancing. He was the other half of my dad, Pete Wise. We love you! Becky and Dennis
Spoilie Wise
August 5, 2014
"Brother", friend and confidant to my father, we've been missing you for a few years now and have often had you and Donna in our thoughts. Thank you Donna for your friendship, you and Abner were there for us when we lost father. We wish you love in your time of grief. We miss our favorite Uncle! Love to you all, Spoilie
Jim Melia
August 4, 2014
Donna,
I could see the smile coming my way from the other end of the airport and couldn't wait to chat with such a wonderful many. One of the most positive people ever and a highlight of my time at the airport. Heaven just got a lot brighter.
August 3, 2014
I also worked with Abner at SeaTac. a very supportive, caring, man who gladly schooled me in Airport Operations and Life in general. Abner was someone you could tak to about anything. He will be greatly missed. My thought and prayers go out to his family...God Bles..
Mike Lude
August 3, 2014
Donna and the Thomas family, I met Abner almost the first day on the job as the new Director of Athletics at the University of Washington in 1076. We became very close friends and when he told me he was retiring from the Sea-Tac airport security job I said "you are too young to be retired and you love Husky football so much that I want you to come work for me as a very special assistant". The rest is history. He was absolutely a super star in our Athletics department. I also remember his cooking a sensational dinner of ribs at our home for some members of our staff. I will miss him more than words can ever express. I will say Jesus you are getting one of the very best to be on your team. Mike & Rena Lude
August 3, 2014
Always encouraging and kind. Thank you for that Abner.
Lee Ayers
August 3, 2014
Abner and I worked closely together for many years as volunteers in recruiting for the Husky football team.
He was a most special friend. I talked to him many times after we moved to Arizona in 1999, and always looked him up when the Huskies played the Arizona school in either Tempe or Tucson.
We've lost a very wonderful man...
August 3, 2014
I truly enjoyed working with and for Abner many years ago at Sea-Tac,he was a good friend to me and was very wise in the advice he gave me and was very glad to see him at Husky games and converse over the years. He will be sorely missed by all.
Gerry Amaral
August 3, 2014
ABNER WAS A WONDERFUL MAN. I WORKED WITH HIM AT THE PORT OF SEATTLE FOR MANY YEARS. HE WAS ALWAYS CHEERFUL AND POSITIVE. HE IS ONE TO REMEMBER. WHAT A WONDERFUL LIFE HE LED. RENATE HIGGERSON
August 3, 2014
ABNER WAS A WONDERFUL MAN. I WORKED WITH HIM AT THE PORT OF SEATTLE FOR MANY YEARS. HE WAS ALWAYS CHEERFUL AND POSITIVE. HE IS ONE TO REMEMBER. WHAT A WONDERFUL LIFE HE LED. RENATE HIGGERSON
August 3, 2014
Abby was truly a gem and a one-of-a-kind gentleman who will always be remembered and held in our hearts.
Our deepest sympathy to the Thomas family.
Ed Yuskoff and Teresa Kitamura
Jackie Cavins (Neve)
August 3, 2014
Donna, what fun memories I have if Abner from when I was younger. He was a wonderful person with such an infectious laugh. He will be greatly missed.
Henry Hampton
August 2, 2014
The Thomas family, I and so many others have been quite fortunate to have had Abner as part of our lives. He set a sterling example of respect and concern for others, an example which is seldom duplicated, I know that you all are so proud. He touched so many in his life, his reward was connecting with the listener and watching them absorb his message.
Henry G. Hampton...one of his listeners
Vernice Haddix
August 2, 2014
Donna, I reiterate, our friend was truly one in a million. I cherish our many discussions, the many laughs, and the all too short periods of time when we were allowed to occupy the same space and time. A true friend, mentor, sage... the world is a better place because of Abner's presence. Abner, thank you again for having been here and being a part of my life. I will always have you in my heart for when the times get hard and I need someone to talk to. Much Love!
Norm & Nancy Kendig
August 1, 2014
Donna,we send out love and sympathy. We know that your loss will leave a big hole in your life. He was a good man so treasure your memories.
July 31, 2014
Donna you have my sympathy. Abner was one of a kind, he will be missed by all that knew him.
Jim Dunning
Ed Parks
July 31, 2014
So sorry to hear of Abners passing. He was an inspiration to all he met, in sports, at the Airport and in the community. He will be missed.
Jay and Julie Beeler
July 31, 2014
Donna--So sorry to hear of Abner's passing. He was just a great guy. Always had a wonderful smile and laugh. We will remember him always.. Jay and Julie
July 31, 2014
So sorry to hear of your loss Donna sending, you hugs from ENUMCLAW.
Terri-Jo
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