GARLAND THOMAS

March 4, 1936 - Aug 3, 2012 NORMAN Garland L. Thomas, 76, passed away Friday, August 3, 2012, after a valiant battle with lung and liver cancer. A celebration of his life is scheduled for Tuesday, August 7 at 2 p.m. at St. Stephen's United Methodist Church - 1801 West Brooks, Norman. A reception will be held in Community Hall immediately after the service so friends and family can visit. Garland was born March 4, 1936, in Macomb, Oklahoma, to Callie and Will R. Thomas. He graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1954 and was a proud member of the 1953 Savage football team that had an undefeated regular season. While in high school, he also played basketball and ran track. Garland was married to Jane Kay Mason on December 27, 1957. They were married for 54 years. He was a member of St. Stephen's United Methodist Church, the Tecumseh High School Alumni Association, and the National Woodcarvers Association. Garland worked as a "doodlebugger" in Alaska in 1957 and told many stories of his time in the Land of the Midnight Sun. He was a barber in the OU Student Union, on Campus Corner and downtown Norman for 20 years before working at Scrivner Grocery Wholesale in Oklahoma City. After retirement, he enjoyed being with family; traveling; wood carving; and wandering the state to watch his grandson, Blake, play a variety of sports. Garland was an avid OU football, softball and women's basketball fan and attended many games. He loved his family unconditionally, was never judgmental and always forgiving.Garland was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Alene Jackson. He is survived by his wife, Jane; sons, Jay and Tracy (Stefanie); grandchildren, Blake Thomas, Will, Jack and Hannah Beesley; sister, Mozelle Guilliams; brother, Harold; sister-in-law, Sue McDaniel (Gerald); many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends. Garland made the decision to donate his body to the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephen's United Methodist Church or Integris Hospice House - 13920 Quailbrook Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73134.