Willard Michael "Mike" Thomas

Willard Michael Thomas, affectionately known as Mike or Papa, was born in Weatherford, Texas, on August 8, 1944. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Monday, September 2, 2024.

Visitation: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 5, 2024 in White’s Chapel of Memories, 130 Houston Ave., Weatherford.

Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 6, 2024 at Palo Pinto Cowboy Church, 2731 N. FM 129, Santo.

Mike attended school in Weatherford and furthered his education at Weatherford College. As the second of five sons, he grew up in a family deeply rooted in the local community. His parents, grandparents, and other family members owned and operated Thomas Dairy, a testament to the family's entrepreneurial spirit.

In 1961, Mike married Dorisan Carr. They later had two children and moved to the Carr Thomas Ranch in 1972, where they continued to build their lives together. In 1982, the family relocated to the north side of the ranch. The move included a significant upgrade to their drinking water—they no longer had to drink roof rain water which ran through a screen and into a huge rock cistern. 

Renowned for his unwavering work ethic, Mike dedicated his life to hard labor. His entrepreneurial spirit ran deep—he was the proud partner of Thomas Brother’s Grass, a grass farm founded by his father and brothers. What started as a business selling grass from the back of a truck grew to include multiple retail locations in Texas and nationwide. It was even used in venues across the NFL, MLB and Big 12 fields to the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games soccer field. Other business ventures include partnerships in TexSand Silica, Vista Sand and Sand Hills Land & Cattle. 

Despite his professional accomplishments, Mike never lost his mischievous charm. He was known for his generosity and willingness to help others, often sharing his resources with those in need. His deep love for animals was evident in his care for the ranch and his unwavering support for animal welfare—including sharing restaurant leftovers with his dogs, before leaving any for his grandchildren.

Mike was a 50 year member of the Parker County Sheriff’s Posse and will be missed by his family and the many who got to call him a friend.

Mike is survived by his wife, Dorisan Carr Thomas; son, Chris Thomas and Susan; daughter, Rissa Thomas-Cook and Mark; grandchildren, Crystal, Amber, Amanda, Jordan, Scott, Zane, and Reese; great-grandchildren, Braylee, and Bowen; brothers, Mark Thomas, Ike Thomas and Trisha, and Emory Thomas and Sandy; and many other relatives and close friends. 

In lieu of flowers, if you choose, a gesture of remembrance can be given to Doss Heritage Cultural Center, Parker County Livestock Improvement Association (PCLIA), Parker County Animal Shelter or a charity of your choice.