Garnett Lucille "Hegar" Thomas

Garnett Lucille Hegar Thomas, of Nacogdoches, Texas, passed away on January 29th, 2026, in the presence of loved ones. Born on October 16th, 1937, in Houston, Texas to Mellennaie and Louis Hegar, Garnett graduated from Cy Fair High School in Cypress, Texas in May of 1956. She married the love of her life, George Allen Thomas, on November 10th, 1956. They had 2 children, Kathy Lynn and Brian Kevin Thomas, and were devoted to each other for 48 years until Allen's death in 2005. Garnett was inducted in the Louisiana Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame, was Natchitoches Women of the Year, Louisiana Cowbell President, Member of the Clarence Baptist Church, and proudly sat on the LRCA Board of Directors.

Garnett was known for her deep care and concern for others. She never passed up an opportunity to love on anyone or extend wisdom, a warm meal, or thoughtful gift. She loved riding horses and competing at rodeos in barrel racing. After competing, she taught riding lessons and poured into the youth of Louisiana and Texas. She loved her family fiercely and always had a soft spot for children. Her legacy will live on and we will miss the matriarch of our family deeply. Our hearts are at peace knowing her spirit entered the gates of Heaven and she now resides with our Lord and Savior for eternity. Garnett is survived by siblings Louis Hegar Jr., Linda Becker, and Gayle Williams, daughter and son in law Kathy and Bill Pratte, son Brian Thomas, granddaughter and grandson in law Harley and Seth Hilburn, grandson Heath Thomas, and a loving group of nieces, nephews, cousins, and great grandchildren as well. Garnett was preceded in death by her parents Mellennaie and Louis Hegar and husband George Allen Thomas.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 5th, 2026, at 10 am followed directly by the funeral at 11 am at San Augustine Cowboy Church located at 539 FM 711, San Augustine, TX 75972. There will be a graveside burial ceremony for family only on Friday, Feb 6th, 2026, at 11 am at the Woodlawn Cemetery at 1101 Antoine Dr, Houston, TX 77055. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the San Augustine Cowboy Church located at 539 FM 711, San Augustine, TX 75972.