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Williard Young Thomas

1935 - 2012

Williard Thomas Obituary

Willard Young Thomas, 76, passed away Saturday, April 21, 2012, at a local hospital. Funeral: 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Lucas Keller Funeral Home Chapel, 137 E. Hill St. Inurnment: at a later date. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Willard was born Dec. 25, 1935, in Fort Worth to Raymond Earl and Madge Belle Rassmussen Thomas. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma, Class of 1958, Phi Beta Kappa with a bachelor's degree in journalism. He went on to receive a master of arts degree from the University of Tulsa. Willard retired as a major from the United States Marine Corps with over 20 years of service, including tours during the Vietnam War. He advocated veterans' interests through various military organizations throughout his life. He also held various positions in the community for business consultative services. Willard was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; and his daughter, Lara. Survivors: Wife of 30 years, Cinda L. Thomas; sons, Ray Thomas and wife, Debbie, Keith Laurence Thomas, and Mike Thomas and wife, Brooke; daughters, Laura Cinda Thomas, Julie Miller-Kraatz and husband, Matt Kraatz, and Cathie Klapprodt and husband, Joel; nine grandchildren; and many loving extended family members and friends.

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Published by Star-Telegram on Apr. 23, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
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Susanne Stutheit

April 24, 2012

So sorry to hear of your loss, our family's thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Christopher Clifton

April 23, 2012

Willard,

It was an honor to know a man such as yourself. I am saddened to loose a fellow brother Mason. I will see you soon in that lodge not made with hands.

Victoria Clifton-Wu

April 23, 2012

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Willard. He was a great friend, counselor, and mentor. I first met him when I was 15 when my parents were in the Texas State Guard. I enjoyed working with him at the MOWW camps and on a book about the history of Fort Worth. He will truly be missed.

April 23, 2012

I cannot believe Willard is gone. He was larger than life in every respect in his dealings with everyone. I had the honor of meeting him 16 years ago in front of the PX at the then Carswell AFB, the year I retired from the Army. He later became our family "tax man." Cinda he always loved you and like his Marine Corps Motto Semper Fidelis - Always Faithful in every respect. May he rest in peace in Gods arms.

Charlotte "Charlie" & Roy Everts

Norris Branham

April 23, 2012

Willard was an irreplaceable friend. He has had an important place in my life since the late eighties. We've shared hundreds of conversations over those years, and I learned something from each of them whether I wanted to or not. I am still stunned by his loss. I can envision his saying to me out of the side of his mouth and with a twinkle in his eye: "Did you expect me to live forever?" Yes, of course I did.

Tim Dersham

April 23, 2012

My prayers are with you all. Willard introduced me to reenacting here in Fort Worth. I am going to miss him.

Dianne Maki

April 23, 2012

I am so sad to hear that Willard is gone. He was so full of life and enjoyed his connection with TA. I will miss his enthusiasm. He contributed to USATAA with his writing and participation.
Warmly, Dianne Maki - USATAA

Sunny and Bob Matthews

April 23, 2012

We send all of you our sympathies for the loss of such an important person in your lives. May memories of him bring you future joy.

Julie Gezella

April 23, 2012

Please accept my condolences during this difficult time. I used to work with Mike and know how important family is to him. God bless all of you.

Daniel Foust

April 23, 2012

Cinda,

Linda and I offer our sympathies to you and your entire family. I enjoyed working with Willard in the MOWW Chapter and always appreciated his steadfast support of our mission.

Sue McNair

April 23, 2012

Cinda, I extend my sympathies to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.

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