Sam Thomas

Funeral services for Rev. Sam Thomas, 100, of Huntington will be held Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in the Huntington First Baptist Church with Dr. William G. Nichols and Dr. Darryl Smith officiating. Interment with Masonic rites will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park.

Henry Samuel Thomas, Jr. was born to Henry Samuel Thomas, Sr. and Sarah Catherine ""Sally"" (Driver) Thomas September 17, 1912 in Huntington, Texas. Among his brothers and sister were Boley Bronson Thomas, who died at the age of 92; Isabelle Haley Thomas LeMoine, who died at the age of 97-1/2; and WT Thomas, the youngest brother, who died at the age of 95. Sam died Saturday, November 3, 2012 at Stoneleigh Estates in Lufkin, Texas.

Sam grew up and attended school in Huntington. He helped his father do carpentry work, which led to his eventual construction businesses. He also became a Baptist minister, a farmer, a Chief Warrant Officer in the U.S. Navy Sea Bees during World War II, and a horse trainer. He led a full life.

He was a construction superintendent at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas, and was involved in construction at M.D. Anderson. He was also the construction superintendent for the building of Timberland Drive in Lufkin, as well as the construction of many of the large buildings in Lufkin. He helped build the first causeway across Galveston Bay and the Marshall Fort Dam across the Colorado River.

He surrendered to pastoral services at the age of 60 and served as a Baptist minister in Texas and Oklahoma. After retiring to Huntington, he visited area churches as a guest pastor until he was 96 years old. Through the years, he conducted over 1,500 funerals and served as pastor in numerous weddings. After moving to Stoneleigh Estates Nursing Home, he taught the Bible on Saturdays and preached on Sundays when needed.

For almost 2-1/2 years, Sam and his brother, WT, were stationed in the South Pacific. They were in Guadalcanal, New Georgia, New Zealand, the Solomon Islands, and the Russell Islands.

For a hobby, Sam always enjoyed horses. At one time, he and his wife were members of a horseback team that performed at rodeos called the Angelina County Mounted Quadrille, which later became known as the Angelina County Mounted Patrol.

Sam was married to Thelma Josephine Smith, called ""Angel"" by everyone, for 73 years until her death on September 30, 2010. They had one daughter, Sammy Lynn Thomas, who preceded them in death.

When Sam retired, he and Angel moved back to Huntington where they joined the First Baptist Church, first in Lufkin and then Huntington First Baptist Church. Sam and Angel were very active in the Masonic and Eastern Star organizations. Sam was a Mason and member of the Homer Masonic Lodge #254, A.F. & A.M. for more than 75 years.

Survivors include his nephew, Mitchell B. LeMoine and wife Wanda; sister-in-law, Sadie Green Thomas; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Memorials may be made to the church or charity of your choice.

Pallbearers will be Darrell Bryan, Bobby Hawkins, Barley Lenderman, Denny Porter, Doyle Thornton and John Weismuller.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home in Huntington.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Huntington, directors.