Jack LeRoy Thomas was born August 3, 1945 in Harper, Kansas to Melvin LeRoy and L. Alene (McDaniel) Thomas, the youngest of their three sons.  He grew up in and around Harper, graduating from Harper High School in 1963.  While in high school he participated in football, basketball, track, tennis, and choir all four years.  Jack thoroughly enjoyed the friendships made during his school days in Harper and continued to gather with those friends at class reunions and other small informal gatherings over the years.

Upon graduation, Jack headed to Wichita State University to play football and tennis.  He told many stories of his college buddies and the memories made at WSU and continued to be in touch with those buddies for the rest of his life.

On April 21, 1968, Jack married Samantha A. May in Winfield, Kansas.  The union produced two children, Missy and Randall.  The couple divorced in 1981.

The family settled in Cheney, Kansas in the early 1970s where Jack taught PE and history while doing what he really loved, which was coaching.  He continued his education over the years to earn a Master's degree and became a high school guidance counselor.  Jack loved helping kids and made some wonderful friends in his teaching colleagues, students, and players.  He retired from the school district in 2002.  Jack began selling cars for Lubbers until 2017 when he moved into a driver position up until his retirement in 2020, again treasuring the friendships developed in his time there.

On May 28, 2022, Jack passed peacefully with family by his side.  He was preceded in death by his parents.  Survivors include his daughter Missy Abbott (Shane), son Randall Thomas, granddaughter Tara Abbott, brothers Gary Thomas (Jo) and Bob Thomas (Kim), nieces and nephews, and the many friends who brought great joy to his life.  Jack will live in our hearts until we meet again.

A memorial service for family will be held in the fall as a tree is planted in his memory.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Jack Thomas Memorial Fund and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th St ~ Harper, Kansas  67058.