Jerry Lamar Thomas

Jerry “Lamar” Thomas
January 16, 1941 – February 15, 2026

Jerry “Lamar” Thomas, 85, of Houston, Texas, passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior on February 15, 2026, in Houston. Though given the name Jerry, he was known to all who loved him simply as Lamar.

Born on January 16, 1941, in Dayton, Texas, Lamar lived a life rooted in faith, service, and devotion to family. He was a devoted husband to Carolyn for 62 blessed years. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love and Christ-centered commitment. He was a loving father to his son, Bart Thomas, and his wife, Kendra, and to his daughter, Kristi, and her husband, Chris Graham.

He was a proud and adoring Papa to Madeline Graham, Addakin Thomas, Mackenzie Graham, Payson Thomas, and Jaden Thomas, each of whom brought him immense joy.

While born in Dayton, Lamar lived much of his childhood in Liberty, Texas. He was a 1959 graduate of Liberty High School and a member of the 1958 Liberty High School football team, which was 6-1 and reached the State semi-finals. He was selected by his peers as a Senior Favorite- no surprise- and then attended and graduated from the University of Houston. Lamar worked for Sun Oil, SIP Engineering, Upjohn, and ultimately started his own very successful company, Global Industries. He was the President of The Christian Oilmen’s Association and was featured on the 700 Club, a Christian show hosted by Pat Robertson, where he gave his testimony about prosperity.

As an ordained minister, Lamar faithfully dedicated his life to sharing the Gospel and spreading the love of Jesus wherever he went. He gave his time and resources in supporting ministries and efforts in Latin America to spread the message of God’s Love and Eternal Life to countries in need. His CB radio handle was “The Bible Teacher,” and he led many lost souls to the Lord, not only on the CB radio but during his nightly Christian radio show broadcast "Tips from the Teacher" into West Texas and Northern Mexico. His faith was not only something he preached, but something he lived daily. He was steadfast in prayer, generous in spirit, and unwavering in his commitment to serving others. Known for his warmth and kindness, Lamar truly never met a stranger and reflected Jesus’ love to all who crossed his path.

Lamar proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam conflict as a radarman, carrying with him a deep sense of duty and honor. He was also a devoted supporter of the University of Houston, where he, his two brothers, Lynn and Larry, and his son were proud graduates. Cheering on Cougar athletics was one of his great joys.

While he will be deeply missed, his family rejoices in the assurance of eternal life and the promise of seeing him again.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the University of Houston Athletics in his honor at: https://uh.evenue.net/give/ALLPROGRAMS

A Military Honors service for Lamar Thomas will be held at the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77038, at 9:00 a.m. Friday, February 20, 2026, followed by a celebration of life at Allusion at West University, 3810 Law St., Houston, Texas, 77005, at 11:00 a.m.