Homer Dean Thomas (Butch, Pop, Big Poppa) , age 78, passed away suddenly at his home in Blanco on April 8th, 2022.

He married his wife, Betty Reese (Race) on July 12, 1974, and during their forty-seven years of marriage, they loved making memories with family and friends. He was always planning their next adventure or cruise.

After graduating from White Oak High School in White Oak, Texas, he studied at Kilgore Junior College and then East Texas State University, now Texas A&M University – Commerce, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He studied toward a Master's Degree at the University of North Texas while working at General Dynamics on a TFR (Terrain Following Radar) on the F-111.  It was during this time that he earned his private pilot license, and he never lost his love of flying.

Homer possessed great ambition – not just in leisure but in business. He cofounded Information Identification Incorporated after leaving General Dynamics and later worked as a manufacturer's sales representative for Zonk and Associates before forming his own rep company, TTec Sales.

Homer had a great appreciation of men who lived a life of good character and who believed in upholding good morals, leadership skills and servitude. He became a Freemason, following in the footsteps of his father and brothers.

He was most proud to be a Life Loyal member of Sigma Chi fraternity, Zeta Eta chapter, taking the fraternity flag with him on his travels and insisting on having his picture taken with it at places all over the world. Being part of such an elite group of men meant a great deal to him, and he never missed their annual reunion in Ft. Worth.

He loved people and being the center of any social event. Homer knew no stranger. Before a recent move to Blanco, Texas, he enjoyed living in the retirement community of Ladera in Mansfield, Texas where he planned special events like cruises and "off campus" dinners. He loved hosting driveway parties and talking to neighbors. He leaves behind many old friends and the countless new ones he never got to meet.

We will treasure his stories...which were mostly true...and will all remember him every time we hear Jimmy Buffet or Jerry Jeff Walker sing the songs he loved in life.

Homer is preceded in death by his parents, William and Jessie Mae Thomas and brothers, Jim and Howard.

He is survived by his wife, Betty L. Thomas; son, Ryan D. Thomas (wife Christina); grandchildren Andrew, RyAnne, and Austin; great grandchildren Braelyn and Evelynn; daughter, Bethany T. Sammons (husband Mike), granddaughter Hannah; niece Terre Thomas Zeigler.

Homer may not be with us here on Earth, but in the words of his granddaughter, Hannah "Don't worry, we will see him again."

A Celebration of Life will be held at Broadway Baptist Church in Ft. Worth, Texas on April 30th at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Zeta Eta Educational Foundation, Inc., PO Box 511, Commerce, TX  75429.