81R30940 MDM-D
By: Isett H.C.R. No. 270
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Family and friends of Oliver Clark Thomas of Lubbock
were deeply saddened by his passing on December 16, 2008, at the age
of 94; and
WHEREAS, Soon after his birth in Hereford in 1914, he moved
with his parents to Greenville and later to Kaufman, where he
attained the rank of Eagle Scout in 1930 and graduated from high
school two years later; he attended Southern Methodist University
and went on to earn a degree from Texas Tech University; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Thomas joined the U.S. Army Air Forces one week
after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, became an
instructor at the Sheppard Field aircraft mechanics school in
Wichita Falls, and volunteered for the B-29 flight engineers
school; his plane was shot down during his 17th bombing mission over
Japan, and he spent time as a prisoner of war at Omori Prison Camp on
an island in Tokyo Bay until August 1945; from his hospital ship, he
witnessed the Japanese signing of the treaty of surrender on
September 2, 1945; and
WHEREAS, For his meritorious service during World War II, he
was awarded the Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross, Prisoner
of War Medal, Air Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster, and Unit Citation;
and
WHEREAS, On his return to the states, Mr. Thomas founded
Thomas Brothers Office Outfitters in Lubbock with his brother,
Hughes, which he operated until his retirement in 1991; and
WHEREAS, He shared a fulfilling relationship with his wife,
the former Melba Watson, until the time of her passing in 1994; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his contributions as a business
owner, Mr. Thomas was a member of the Texas Good Roads Association,
and he previously served as chair of the highways, streets, and
roads committee of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce; he was also a
member of the Rotary Club, First United Methodist Church, and Phi
Kappa Psi Fraternity; and
WHEREAS, Oliver Thomas lived a purposeful life of service to
his community, state, and nation, and he will be remembered with
deep affection by all who were fortunate enough to share in his love
and friendship; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 81st Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby pay tribute to the memory of Oliver Clark Thomas and extend
deepest condolences to the members of his family: to his stepson,
Dr. Ray Moore; to his sisters-in-law, Kay Fulton and Joyce Woods;
and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of
Oliver Clark Thomas.