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Edward Thomas
1919 - 2015
Edward Thomas
1919 - 2015
Obituary
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BORN
1919
DIED
2015
Edward Thomas Obituary
The challenges Thomas had to surmount in the line of duty reflected the daily indignities of an African-American living in Jim Crow Houston. As the Chronicle reports, Thomas worked foot patrol because he wasn't allowed to drive a squad car. He couldn't eat in the same cafeteria with the white officers, and he needed a supervisor to complete an arrest of a white suspect. His supervisors once demanded his resignation when Thomas responded to a white meter maid's request for help. Thomas refused, and through his noted stoicism and committed work ethic won the respect of his colleagues and the community during his 63 years of service.
As current Police Chief Charles McClelland Jr. described Thomas' work to the Chronicle: "He brought 'community policing' to the community before there even was that term. Every African-American officer and police chief has their feet firmly planted on the shoulders of Mr. Thomas."
On July 27, 2015, the Houston Police Department renamed its headquarters in Thomas' honor. Thomas was the longest-serving officer in department history.
31 Entries
Valenda Newell
December 2, 2016
GREATNESS ONLY COMES AROUND EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE, THANKS FOR ONE'S DEDICATION TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.....JOB WELL DONE....RIH
September 2, 2015
Thanks for your dedicated service.
September 2, 2015
Thanks for being a beacon of the law in our community. What a distinct honor to have a Houston justice center wear your name. RIP!
Linda
August 25, 2015
Please draw close to God for comfort and strength during this time of sorrow. He will give you the needed support to endure. I am sorry for your loss. (Psalms 145:14,18) -
How you can show support
E. Williams
August 24, 2015
Thank you for your service and commitment to the betterment of treatment for African Americans in the workforce. Rest in Peace.
Sharon Haywood
August 23, 2015
I Salute You !!!
August 21, 2015
My condolences to the family. May God comfort you during this time of sadness. 2Cor 1:4
BC
August 21, 2015
For the last 35 years, I have been trying to learn as much as I can about the men and women who endured much indignity and hard- ship just to make my rights and freedoms possible today. Edward Thomas' story is a welcomed addition to my reservoir of insight. Surely his life story is safely stored in God's memory, and he will be generously rewarded for a job well done. My condolences!
August 21, 2015
So sorry for your loss.may Almighty God give you comfort and peace.Psalms83:18
A. M.
August 20, 2015
My sympathy goes out to the family during your time of grief. May God's loving-kindness comfort you and help you through this difficult time. (Psalm 119:50,76)
August 20, 2015
I give my deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Mr. Thomas
Gregory Lewis
August 20, 2015
Thank you for your service, and may your soul rest in peace.
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
August 19, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
Billie Williams
August 19, 2015
Sorry to hear of the passing of Officer Thomas. As a child I remember our own special police officer in Finnegan Park. This was back in 1959 when I was going to elementary school. We all knew he was there and were thankful for him. He was full of grace. Thanks for policing the 5th Ward area for so many years.
Ptlm. P.K. Harding (retired)
August 19, 2015
Rest in peace brother. Thank you for your service to the Houston community.
Scott Chamberland
August 19, 2015
Rest in Peace
August 19, 2015
I'm sorry for your loss of your loved one , please find peace and comfort in psalms 119: 76
m kosdh
August 19, 2015
Thank you for your service to serve and protect us as a police officer.
My deepest sympathy to the family. God Bless!
M. Kosh
Ft. Myers, Fl.
Kim Jones
August 18, 2015
It was a honor knowing Mr.Edward Thomas as I called him Mr.T the memories I will always have talking with him and shaving his face and he loved his muffins, Mr. T will be greatly missed by many
CONSTABLE EDDIE COLLINS
August 18, 2015
THANKS FOR PAVING THE WAY FOR ALL OFFICERS
M Kemsley
August 18, 2015
Thank you and God speed.
August 18, 2015
WE NEED MORE OFFICERS, LIKE THOMAS. A JOB WELL DONE. RIP.
Annapolis, MD
Donald Moore
August 18, 2015
Thanks for your service God bless your family my condolences. RIP sir.
August 18, 2015
May you rest in peace!
Art & Yvette Abernaty
August 18, 2015
Officer Thomas always took the time to stop by my place of business when he was in the neighborhood just to say hello. Many times he would bring me a jar of honey, because I once told him I like to use honey instead of sugar in my coffee.
They don't make 'em like that any more; he was a man's man and a precious gift to all of us from GOD.
My coffee will never taste the same.
August 17, 2015
My gratitude to Officer Thomas for his service to the community. God bless him and all of our police officers! Anonymous
Roz Bulman
August 17, 2015
I worked with Officer Thomas or Mr. T., as we fondly called him, around 15 years ago when I was the captain's secretary at Northeast Division. I worked with him for about 9 years. I cherish all the years I worked with him. He became a very dear friend who I will always remember. Every time I saw him he called me Ms. Roz. RIP Mr. T. You will be missed.
Jimmie Dotson
August 17, 2015
Mr. "T" known by most of us who served with him during the 70s, 80's 90's and beyond, until his retirement was a true pioneer for Afro American Officers at the Houston Police Department. He was a quiet leader who made it easier for those of us who served with him. On behalf on those who came after you, "thank you" for being the pioneer that you were.
J Leal
August 17, 2015
As a young rookie, I too can remember Officer Thomas. He was certainly a role model for many of us as he went through a lot- in past times of uncertainty for minority officers. He was a better man than I, 'hundred times over. You have made it easier for those of us that came after you. The family can take comfort knowing that Officer Thomas will rest in peace until he is awaken forevermore. Please accept my deepest condolences. His wonderful legacy is safe with you.
Graden E Taylor
August 17, 2015
I can remember Officer Thomas when i was a little boy many, many years ago walking a beat and talking to us kids little did we know then he was a history maker and excellent role model, rest in peace Officer Thomas.
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