Fred Lucian Thomas

Fred Lucian Thomas, son of Charles L. Thomas and Atra Collins Thomas, was born on January 15, 1923. He attended schools in Oklahoma and Arizona. After graduating high school he planned to enroll at Oklahoma A&M but rumblings of war led to a decision to volunteer for the Marine Corps. After Pearl Harbor he was sent to the South Pacific. While on combat duty there he contracted malaria and was sent back to the states. He was selected for the V-12 Program in Officer's Training but was unable to finish due to frequent hospitalization for malaria. Through the years he rose through the ranks and retired as a Captain. He was proud that he had done it the hard way. Much of his time was spent in Asian countries, auditing supply departments of Marine bases and in that capacity received a commendation from the Commandant of Korean Marines for setting up their supply system. He married Dorothy Gravely in 1943 and following his retirement from the Marine Corp, they operated an insurance and real estate business in Frederick, Oklahoma, later moving to Oklahoma City. Fred worked for the City Water Department until he retired to take care of his seriously ill wife. Following her death he became very active in the ministry to international students sponsored by the Northwest Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. He volunteered to go to the English as a Second Language classes at Oklahoma City University to give students opportunity to practice English. His years in Korea, Taiwan and Japan as a Marine made him a natural match with them and close friendships developed. He opened his home for their Bible study and any time they wanted to get together for birthdays, holidays, or just "hanging out". They affectionately called him "Grandpa Fred" which thrilled him since he had no children of his own. It was a mutual blessing for all. His Christian faith was the mainstay of his life as he talked the talk and walked the walk. Fred passed from this life on Monday, December 26, 2011 at Perry Memorial Hospital. A Celebration of his Life and Resurrection will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 29, 2011, in the Chapel of the Northwest Baptist Church, located at 3030 Northwest 23rd Street in Oklahoma City. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dorothy, and sister Charlene Thomas Germann. He is survived by his sister, Laura Belle Beers of Perry, Oklahoma; and several nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.