George Brinton Thomas III

1945 - 2011

George Brinton Thomas III obituary, 1945-2011

BORN

1945

DIED

2011

FUNERAL HOME

Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home - Killeen

1615 South Fort Hood Road

Killeen, Texas

George Thomas Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 18, 2011.

George Brinton Thomas III of Harker Heights, Texas, died on Friday, June 17, 2011, in a bicycling accident. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Paul Chong Hasang Catholic Church on Friday, June 24, 2011 at 10:30am with Father Ciaran McCarthaigh MSC as celebrant. Burial will follow with military honors at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.

He was born on October 27, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, the son of George Brinton Thomas, Jr., and Jean Russell Thomas, the grandson of George Brinton Thomas, Sr., and Mary Eliza Wright Thomas of Millburn, New Jersey, and of Benjamin Franklin Russell and Emeline Smith Russell of Great Neck, New York.

He grew up in Summit, New Jersey, graduating from Summit High School in 1964, where he was a member of the German club, played on the soccer team, and participated in track. He was active in Boy Scouts, attaining the rank of Life Scout. He won several regional awards for Native American crafts and dance, and distinguished himself with his knowledge of American Indian history.

He attended the University of Arizona and earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1968 and a Masters of Arts in anthropology in 1970.
Shortly after graduation he joined an archeological team excavating pre-Columbian ruins in Mitla, Oaxaca, Mexico, where he was active for several years.

He enlisted in the United States Army and was trained in aerial reconnaissance at Fort Hood, Texas. During his spare time during military service, he re-activated the archeological club of Fort Hood. He was able to apply his expertise in interpreting aerial photographs to determine from the features of a landscape if a site would be likely to be worthy of archeological exploration. His published findings attracted professional attention in the field. He was a frequent contributor to the Fort Hood Sentinel.

A lifelong athlete, George was an accomplished long-distance runner. In mid-life, he took up bicycling, soon performing at a competitive level. As an unknown novice, he placed highly in the first bicycle race he ever entered, to the surprise of many, and was quickly recruited into a respected cycling club.

After his stint in the military ended, he joined the Civil Service, serving in various capacities throughout the length of his career. During one assignment in Heidelberg, Germany, he took advantage of his knowledge and love of the German language to connect with German bicycling enthusiasts and to explore the European countryside.

After retirement from the Civil Service, he again was able to participate in several archeological field expeditions, published in the bulletin of the Texas Archeological Society, and taught college-level archeology and anthropology in the educational programs of the Texas penitentiary system.

He is survived by his wife, Frances M. Thomas, children: Monique Mendoza, Talmage Mendoza, James Mendoza and Russell Mendoza, his brother, Franklin Russell Thomas, and a sister-in-law, Sandra Freed Thomas, of Greenfield, Massachusetts, his sister, Mary Elizabeth Thomas, of Wendell, Massachusetts, his nephew, Scott Russell Thomas, of Great Barrington, Massachusetts, and his niece, Kimberly Freed (Thomas) Hake, of Greenfield, Massachusetts.

George is remembered very fondly for his intelligence, kindness, thoughtfulness, sincerity, and, notoriously, for his remarkable and unique sense of humor. He modestly referred to his highest academic attainment as "P. H. D.," standing for "post-hole digger."

He could find colorful, unexpected, and entertaining words to describe everyday events. In words and actions, he always took the scenic route, and that still holds true, now more than ever.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 23, 2011 from 6-8pm at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home and a Rosary will be recited at 7pm.

You may share condolences with the Thomas family online at www.crawfordbowersfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, Killeen, TX.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Not sure what to say?

September 26, 2011

Marco Morales

I worked with George when he was the editor of the Fort Hood Sentinel back in 1991. It didn't take me long to figure out that he was not only one of the most intelligent persons I've ever met but also one of the wittiest. George brought a distinct and genuine air of refreshing perspectives very few human beings are capable of achieving. His brand of British humor always added introspective rhetoric which made the reader of his input think about his unique angles. He kept himself physically and mentally fit by jumping into life head on -- without fear or regrets and always with a positive attitude. We all learned from his unselfish and benevolent contributions.

September 22, 2011

Rey Dominguez, Jr

George, it was a distinct honor to have been included in your circle of "debate buddies". Your intellect and humor will be missed. I raise a Shiner Bock in your honor. May our Lord, God of hosts welcome you into his loving embrace. May God bless and keep watch over your family.

September 15, 2011

Ms. Thomas & family, I just want to briefly note that George, whom I never personally met, but rather corresponded with via a political discussion group, was a wonderful contributor to our thoughts and considerations regarding many topics. His wit often helped us get over the cider that sometimes blocked our vision on some issues, and helped us dig a bit deeper in our perspectives - he will be, and surely is already, sorely missed by all. I was looking forward to meeting him here in Europe - a trip that he noted he was planning. I pray along with all of those who read this that he may rest in peace.
I feel similarly to Janie Zapata and extend you my deepest condolences as your lives move on with his spirit beside you.

All the best,

Dick Holliday
Tübingen Germany

September 15, 2011

Lewis Bernstein

I never met George. I only knew him through e-mail correspondence. He was humorous, witty, and had a very dry wit. We hit it off without meeting and now I shall never have that pleasure. He always gave me the impression that he enjoyed life and that it gave him much amusement. I shall miss him - the world is a poorer place without him. May you find the strength you need at this time.

July 5, 2011

Frances please except our sincere condolences on the passing of your husband, George. We are sorry we didn't make it to the services but you were in our thoughts. When Lupe told us what had happened we couldn't believe it. Goes to show you just never know when our Lord will call on anyone of us. May God bless you and your family and be with you espectially at this time of your loss.

Love, Janie Zapata

June 30, 2011

I met George when I worked in the Environmental Office at Fort Hood. He was a good friend to me. He was kind & thoughtful, always with a big smile. I enjoyed his unique sense of humor. I am sorry that when I got transferred to another job, that I lost touch with him. My prayers & thoughts are with his family. I know he will be missed by all. Kathy Spear, Copperas Cove, Tx.

June 24, 2011

Jason Lewis

I worked with Mr. Thomas at the San Saba Unit and got to know him pretty good. I loved his sense of humor and he always had a smile on his face. He seemed to live life to the fullest. He will be sorely missed and may GOD bless him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family.

June 24, 2011

What a funny, inspiring person George was to many in the Southwind Runners Club and in the cycling community. His sense of humor, positive attitude and big smile will be missed. May the Thomas family know that you were all a big part of his well-lived life.

Colleen Isdale, Belton, Texas

June 23, 2011

Charles White

Mr. Thomas was a joyful part of each day that he come to the San Saba Unit. He was a true "Free Spirit" with a breadth of knowledge. Those of us who worked with him and learned from him were truly blessed!

June 23, 2011

Art and Rose (Moreno) Bernal

Our deepest condolences, our love and God's peace to you Frances and to your family.

June 23, 2011

John Hoenow

I worked with Mr. Thomas at the San Saba Unit. I will always remember the lively discussions before his classes. He will be missed at the unit.

June 23, 2011

David Waters

I worked with Mr. Thomas at the San Saba unit. I teach geology so we would talk a little about archaeology and geology waiting for the students to show up. He was a nice guy to work with. He will be missed.

June 23, 2011

Jeff Wilson

I had the pleasure of knowing George very briefly, working with him in San Saba. He was a great guy. My sympathies to his family.

June 23, 2011

Fran, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I recall the conversations George and I had when he worked at the Fort Hood Contracting Office. I really enjoyed his humor.

Barry Barnett

June 23, 2011

Joanne Smonko

I was so shocked to read that a very old friend had died in a bike accident. I worked with George at Contracting Command and DPW. George left his mark with an instructional booklet titled "How to do Labor inspections for Dummies" which of course was funny and factual. He also made entries into the "Contracting Cook Book" a recipe for his famous Chicken Soup. George took up an entire page on his special process of preparing the vegetables for the main event. George was fun, witty charming and his smile, always a happy person. His real happiness was finding his wife,Fran, who he truly loved. Rest in Peace.

June 22, 2011

Titia Arledge

Dear Frances & Family: I have been praying and thinking all week now of what to say to you. My eyes well up with tears and my heart breaks for your loss. I cannot even imagine how you feel and what a great tragedy and shock you are dealing with at this time. I am so sorry I didn't have the opportunity to meet and ride with your George; but he is on Eagles Wings spinning in Heaven on streets of gold. Myself and my closest and dearest friends ride Crow's Ranch road all the time, it's our interval training road and it's in our own backyard. Your husband was an experienced athlete and cyclist and knew how to ride correctly. God Bless you and Keep you always in His care. With my deepest sympathy.

Posted by Titia Arledge

June 22, 2011

Andrew Malof

I had the pleasure and honor of working with George on multiple occasions over the past ten years. His unflagging humor and unique observations kept many a field crew entertained. His was a true commitment to his science. The archaeological, anthropological and educational communities have all lost a real friend.

June 22, 2011

I am saddened to see that the individual killed in the bicycling accident I read about in the paper was someone I had the brief chance to know while working in Contracting on Fort Hood. His smile and friendly greeting was always a part of any encounter with him in the hallway in passing or in any contact. Please accept my sincere condolences. In the brief time I knew him, he brought sunshine to each encounter. Pam Upshaw (Harker Heights, TX)

June 22, 2011

Sandy Thomas

George was a bright light, a loving and funny uncle to our children and a caring wonderful brother-in-law to me. His sense of humor, his true wonderment about life and curiosity about so many pieces and parts of the current and ancient worlds was an inspiration to all who knew him. May he rest in peace knowing the joy and smiles he brought to so many of us.

June 21, 2011

Frances Thomas

My Darling George,
Thank you for sharing your life with me. I miss you every second of every minute of every day since you passed. The future looks bleak and dark. Please help me find the light so I can go on living. Love you my darling and we will meet again in heaven.

June 21, 2011

Lupe Mendoza

We will truely miss George. He was such a nice and kind person not only to his wife, but to everyone around him. My prayers are with the family.

June 21, 2011

Joseph Moreno

George you will be missed. May you rest in Gods hands.

June 20, 2011

Stacey & Rick Short

My family will be praying for yours during this difficult time. God Bless.

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

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Funeral services provided by:

Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home - Killeen

1615 South Fort Hood Road, Killeen, TX 76542-1654

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