Dr. Erwin R. Thal

1936 - 2014

Dr. Erwin R. Thal obituary, 1936-2014, Dallas, TX

BORN

1936

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

Erwin Thal Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 14, 2014.

Dr. Erwin Thal, 78, of Dallas passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital UT-Southwestern in Dallas. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all that knew and loved him. He was generous, kindhearted, sharp-witted, and had a huge heart. Erwin tenaciously rose above every adversity and challenge. He will be remembered for his practical jokes, sense of humor, unbridled energy and passion for teaching.
Erwin was born in Columbus, Ohio, on August 31, 1936, to Miriam and Nelson Thal. He was a proud graduate of The Ohio State University, receiving his undergraduate degree in 1958 and his doctor of medicine degree in 1962. As an undergraduate, he was the manager of the baseball, basketball, and two national championship football teams. Erwin completed his general surgery residency at Parkland Hospital in 1969, interrupted by two years of service in the United States Air Force as a flight medical officer. Prior to discharge, he was awarded the United States Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. Upon completing his residency, Erwin joined the faculty at University of Texas Southwestern Medical School as an instructor of surgery. He was promoted to professor in 1982. From 1970 to 1994, he was in charge of the Surgical Emergency Room. In 1995, he was appointed medical director of the Day Surgery Unit at Parkland. Beginning in 1998, and lasting until his death, Erwin served as the director of the Willed Body Program at the UT Southwestern Medical School. Throughout his time at UT Southwestern, Erwin was honored with many appointments and recognitions for his long list of accomplishments. Standouts among these include an honorary fire chief appointment in 1985, chairman of the American College of Surgeons committee on trauma from 1986-1990, an honorary fellowship in the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, a place on the Giants of Parkland Surgery wall, and an Alumni Achievement Award from the Ohio State University College of Medicine, the 2000 Minnie Stevens Piper Professor award, and numerous Excellence in Teaching Awards from Southwestern Medical School.
Survivors include his son James Gordon Thal and his wife Rhonda Zamora Thal; daughter Barbara Thal Potts and her husband Steven William Potts; daughter in law Kathy Duran Thal; grandchildren Gordon Thal, J.R. and A.J. Thal, William and Carolyn Potts, Camille, Stephen and Alex Duran. His wife Carolyn Gordon Thal of 37 years and his son Jeffrey Lawrence Thal of 53 years precede him in death.
A Funeral Service will be at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at Temple Shalom, 6930 Alpha Road, Dallas, TX 75240. The family will receive friends from 230 to 430 at Temple Shalom. Memorials may be made to the Dallas Chapter of the American Red Cross, UT Southwestern Department of Surgery Division of Trauma, or The Ohio State University-School of Medicine. Online condolences can be made at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest .com.

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February 11, 2015

carol nemo

One of the finest, kindest, caring men I have ever known. His wife was my best friend from the first day we met at OSU. He will always have my undying respect and love. Together, he and Carolyn produced 3 amazing children. Erwin treasured each and every relationship and nurtured them over many years. A very special man whom I already miss very much.
Bre Nemo, Atlanta, GA

January 20, 2015

Kathy and Garry McAnally

We were trying to get in touch with Erwin, as we were coming to Dallas for Ohio State's National Championship game. We were never so saddened to find Erwin's obituary. He was one of the people we looked forward to seeing every Ohio State home game. He was ever so friendly and always had a huge smile on his face. We sit in the first two Club seats in the row behind him at The Ohio State Stadium. Erwin would certainly be wearing his Buckeye gear proudly now. Go Buckeyes!! Please accept our condolences. Kathy and Garry McAnally

January 19, 2015

Dear Jim, I knew your brilliant dad while at OttawaHills High School, where we studied Latin together. I last saw him at our Dallas Reunion and told him he was a hero of mine at that time so long ago. We all loved him. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. He adored you both. We didnt think he'd remarry, so Barbara must be pretty special. My condolences to the rest of his family. Jim Arthur and Kim Hiett Jordan were good friends of mine at our Toledo School. How fortunate you all were to know this remarkable, witty man. Teddy Fox Garratt

January 6, 2015

Brilliant surgeon, exceptional teacher, good man. I loved to work with him.
Dietrich Doll, MD, PhD, LTCOL(ret.)

December 29, 2014

Paul Petruzzelli

Dear Barbie,
Your Father was a man who could brighten the darkest days. He was always positive and wanted the best for all mankind.
He was a true champion. I am so fortunate to have known both your mother and father. Your were blessed with fantastic parents. My condolences to the family

December 26, 2014

Kathy Arrambide

Dear Barbie and family. I want you to know how sad I am for your loss. I treasured him and all of you and will miss him greatly. He gave so much to so many. We are all richer for having known him

December 23, 2014

David Dern

My life was better due to having met Erwin Thal. I knew him through his son, Jeff, when Jeff lived in Houston. Jeff brought his father to an OSU Football Watch Party that the OSU Houston Alumni had each and every game. This is where we met. How appropriate!

I wish I could have made the service and maybe even played with the band. I am a proud member of TBDBITL and knew how fond both Erwin and Jeff were of the OSUMB.

What a great tribute it was to have members of the OSUMB play at the service. I know both Erwin and Jeff are looking down and smiling not only for what a great family they were/and still are a part of, but also for how great it was to know that their beloved Buckeyes are playing in college football's first ever Final Four this coming New Years Day, GO BUCKS!

December 23, 2014

Going to an Ohio State Football Game will never be the same for us. We will miss your boundless enthusiasm and energy for not only The Buckeyes, but for life and people in general. You were a very special friend!

Lynda and Stephen Nacht
Columbus, Ohio

December 21, 2014

Chaplain Al Taylor

On behalf of the Chaplains of the Dallas Police Department I wish to convey my condolences to the family of Dr. Erwin Thal for your loss. I pray God's peace and comfort will lift you above your sorrow and strengthen you for all your days. Blessings to all of you!
Chaplain Al Taylor
Dallas Police Department

December 20, 2014

William Young

You will be missed Dr Thal, by all of the lives you touched throughout your distinguished career...

December 19, 2014

Roger Bresnahan

I offer my sincerest condolences to the entire Thal Family.
I have know Dr. Thal for nine years at the Prestonwood Golf &CC. He is respected and well liked an avid golfer and a man that is always positive. We will all miss his presence you all will and miss his stories of driving the trolley in downtown Dallas, his retirement "job".
Starter/Marshall PWCC

December 19, 2014

Max Ramenofsky

Erwin you will be sorely missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing you. You were a wonderful friend and mentor. I'll never forget the time we spent together. Our condolences to your family.
Dr and Mrs Max L. Ramenofsky

December 19, 2014

Shelley Koltnow

Dr. Thal captured my respect, admiration and affection. Knowing him graced my time at UT Southwestern. Condolences on your loss.

December 19, 2014

Abe Fingerhut

My sincère condoleances
Abe Fingerhut md

December 19, 2014

Ghali Ghali

A super neat man and a role model for all surgeons.
GE Ghali, DDS, MD

December 18, 2014

Thomas Froehlich

I got to know Erwin when I cared for Jeff as a teenager with recurrent cancer. He was a great and unique individual. I have rarely met people with as much positive energy as he had.

December 18, 2014

Chris Kuhne, M.D. OB/GYN

Dr Thal taught me how to care for the sick during my days in the Parkland Surgery pit. I take solace in the countless lives his teaching will save, forever. The best teacher I ever had.

December 17, 2014

Ryn Fernandez

Dr. Thal was an integral part of the trauma service for many years. His wisdom, guidance and wit were beyond compare. My heartfelt condolences.

December 17, 2014

Michael Darrouzet

The Dallas County Medical Society, its Board of Directors, members and staff express to you our deepest sympathy in the recent loss of your father.

Dr. Thal was a valued member of DCMS and the Texas Medical Association for 47 years. His service will be truly missed by his colleagues. Your family will remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Michael J Darrouzet
Executive Vice President/CEO

December 17, 2014

Tony Anderson

Dr. Thal was an attending for me while a med student at Parkland in the late 80's. I knew him as a kind and passionate physician who could take on just about any challenge with gusto, but would also inject humor and infectious energy into things at just the right time. His presence in the medical community will be sorely missed. It is truly a gift to think of all the lives he touched with his practice of surgery as well as his mentoring of literally thousands of other professionals.

December 17, 2014

Kita Cathey

Kathy and family, so very sorry to hear of the loss of such a wonderful role model and patriarch of the family. I worked with and loved Jeff at Baylor Research Institute, and though I did not personally know Dr. Thal, I heard many funny and respectful stories from Jeff about him and his many contributions in life. Blessings on your family at this time and always. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

December 17, 2014

Ed Ahearn

Dear Jim,
I am sorry to hear of your father's passing. I know he meant a great deal to you and your family. We hope you are well, and that you can find the strength to make it through this most difficult time. Best wishes.
Ed Ahearn

December 17, 2014

Shawn Meckfessel

Sorry to hear the news. I am glad I got to speak with Dr Thal. I contacted him about getting his autograph. I really enjoyed talking Ohio State with him. My condolences to his family and friends.

December 16, 2014

Sharon Lauterbach

We will all miss his great whit and sense of humor. The trolley experience won't be the same.

December 16, 2014

We will miss you so much Erwin. Our trips to Dallas were our chance to spend time with you. Remembering all the stories of you and Rich growing up in Toledo. You were a great comfort to me when Rich was in the hospital in Dallas. Thanks for making our lives better by knowing you
Judy & Richard Rubin, Phoenix, AZ

December 16, 2014

Jeff Long

A great and dear man. I had the pleasure of being his neighbor for 5 years in the 70s and spent about as much time at his house as I did mine back then playing with Jim, Jeff, Barbie along with the other neighborhood kids. He is fondly remembered and will be deeply missed - the world is less without him. O-H........

December 16, 2014

Jennifer Blumetti

Dr. Thal was undeniably a wonderful teacher, mentor and surgeon. As one of his former surgery residents, I am privileged to say that I was trained by him, not only in how to be a great surgeon, but also how to be a great person. My condolences to the Thal family.

December 16, 2014

Neil Hansen

We will miss this special man who brought so much joy and laughter to our family. We are blessed for knowing him and for being able to spend time with him and the entire Thal family. "Pa" has left us, and we will never forget him! Darlene, Chris and Neil Hansen

December 16, 2014

John Rielly

Jim, Barbie, Kathy and all; I am so sorry about your loss. It is wet and cold in Columbus, Ohio today. I will raise a toast to you all at Ted's tonight. Go Bucks!

December 16, 2014

Sally Snow

Dr. Thal was a mentor to so many. He is one of the reasons there is a Trauma System in Texas. He was an invaluable leader to the North Texas Trauma System and will be greatly missed. I will never forget his leadership and mentorship.

December 16, 2014

Dr. Thal was a pioneer and a leader for Trauma care across the Great State of Texas. His groundbreaking work has resulted in one of the best trauma systems in the nation. He was also a pleasure to work with. His wisdom and knowledge will be greatly missed. God Bless Dr. Thal.
Scott Mitchell, Fire Chief (ret), Past Chair - North Central Texas Trauma Regional Advisory Council

December 16, 2014

Bucky Brutus

No memorial would be complete without a picture of Erwin in his favorite colors. We will miss you at the 'Shoe, Erwin. Go Bucks!

Posted by Bucky Brutus

December 16, 2014

Carrie Hecht

Our community has suffered a great loss. It was an honor to have known Dr. Thal.

December 16, 2014

JED MESCON

We are truly upset about the loss of your dad. Phyllis and I are just fortunate to have known this incredible and loving man. May your many friends comfort all of you.

December 15, 2014

Leigh A. Bedrich

I'm so honored to be in a line of NCTTRAC chairs which began with Dr. Thal. His vision for a Texas Trauma System created a network that is unrivaled in the country and has saved innumerable lives. We are so blessed to have had him as a colleague, mentor, and friend to all Texans. Peace to all of his loved ones.

December 15, 2014

John phillips

My condolences to his family. I finished my training at Parkland in July 1975 and Dr.Thal was one of my attendings. He was a smart and kind man. He loved Ohio State football as much as he loved surgery and he was always available to his residents. He was a good surgeon and even a greater man.

December 15, 2014

Vince Sullivan

Jim, Barbie, Kathy and Grandkids.....
Why is it that all the really goods ones leave us way to soon! Jeff and now ET. It's as if God is giving us a gift, even if it's for a short while.
I like to think that Jeff and ET are playing a round of golf with healthy bodies and having the time of their lives. (Giving each other hell I am sure)I My life has been enriched by knowing the entire Thal family, regards, Vince, Diane , Shane, Blaire and Bailey

December 15, 2014

michael landay

What a wonderful man! How filled with life and enthusiasm and humor and joy! And a great doctor. I am sure that he will have a good view of the football playoff games.
Mike Landay

December 15, 2014

Jim And Barbie--There will be a hole in my life; I will miss him greatly. Love to all of you. Kim Jordan

December 15, 2014

Ray Kreutzfeld

Dr. Thal was a man who loved life, served the preservation of life and loved The Ohio State University. He was a joy to be around as his energy radiated through his smile, animation and sincerity. Knowing him was a great privilege and an enriching experience. I will miss him.

December 15, 2014

Mary Reid

Loosing Dr. Thal is like loosing a second father. I have known him since I was five years old, but he was always "Dr. Thal" to me. I have fond memories of the funny man patiently teaching me how to water ski on Lake Texoma. He will be missed.

December 15, 2014

Jeff Janis

Dr. Thal was unquestionably one of the most impactful human beings I have ever had the honor and privilege to know. He has been a true teacher, mentor, role model, and friend. A great surgeon, and an even better human being. He will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live on in all of us who crossed paths with him and who had the privilege of getting to know him well.

December 15, 2014

Douglas Sheena

He was my attending when I was a medical student over 30 years ago. An unbelievable teacher and great man.

December 15, 2014

Terry Wheaton

My condolences to the entire Thal family as well as to his University Hospital family. Erwin and I attended grade and high school together. More recently, we celebrated our 78th birthdays in Columbus at a fine OSU football game victory. Good bye, Good Friend, and Go Bucks!

December 15, 2014

Jim Gilmore

Erwin and I were Parkland Residents together. He was an amazing surgeon and the "ultimate professional"! My life is better having known him. Peace to his life.
Jim Gilmore,MD
UTSouthwestern

December 15, 2014

Chip Arnold

Steve, Barbie, Will, Carolyn and family, my heartfelt condolences to you all. I am so sorry to hear of your loss, and I am honored to say that I was able to meet and have several conversations with Dr. Thal when he visited Chattanooga. My deepest sympathy.

December 15, 2014

Keenan Delaney

I was saddened to just learn of Dr. Thal's recent passing. Doc was a great husband, father, man, surgeon, teacher and Buckeye, who touched many lives. My heartfelt condolences, he will be missed!

December 15, 2014

Ira and Linda Bernstein

We will miss Dr. Thal very much. He was a wonderful colleague, to say nothing of the extent to which we argued Michigan vs. Ohio State. Your passing is far too soon.

December 15, 2014

Albert Windom

We will miss you so much, even though we were not blood related, you are still " Pa" to us. The Windom Family

December 15, 2014

Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones

I am sad to hear about the loss of Dr. Thal. I enjoyed working with him as a Red Cross Board Member and as Co-Chair of the Golf Tournament. He was an energetic fundraiser. During a medical crisis with my family he was there with support and information. This is is my favorite picture of Dr. Thal and the image I remembered when I heard about his passing.

Posted by Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones

December 14, 2014

Tina Moseley

This may seem totally inappropriate to some, so I apologize in advance, but anyone else who knows our relationship knows that Pa Louise and I had a huge rivalry going on as he was die hard Ohio State, and I University of Michigan. He had that infectious smile and personality, but I couldn't trust him to not have ulterior motives behind that sneaky grin. From finding MI toilet paper in my guest bathroom, etc., he was always up to no good when he visited, and I volleyed. We have so many wonderful, great memories, with the whole family, and this is one time I wish we could all live forever, because we had plans! One last request I have is to either sneak a fart machine or a cell phone set with "Hail to the Victor" as the ringtone, in the casket with him, so when he comes to mind, I can just harass him a little bit longer. My love and hugs to all, he is already sorely missed.

December 14, 2014

"E" you have touched many lives over the years in a variety of ways --husband- father-teacher, professor, and friend. Your legacy will live on.
With respect and love,
Jim and Carolyn Atkins

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