G.W. (Doug) Thomas, 85 of Midland, passed away on Sunday, June 10, 2018.Doug was born on September 5, 1932 in Barstow, Texas to A.A. and Zell Bailey Thomas. As a child, he attended grade school in Barstow later moving to Mentone, TX, Buena Vista, TX and finally to Odessa, TX, where he attended and graduated from Odessa High School. Doug loved sports and played football, basketball and ran track during his school years. Doug continued his education receiving an Associate’s degree from Odessa College in Marketing and Business.As a proud American, Doug joined the Army Signal Corp for a tour that started in San Luis Obispo, CA. and ended in Fort Benning, GA., but not before a tour of duty in Chunchon, Korea where he served his country proudly during the Korean War.When returning to civilian life Doug found himself back in the west Texas oil patch working for several companies over the years. Doug even tried his hand with his own company Kiowa Chemical and Mud Co. during the 1980’s oil boom. Doug met many friends along the way that touched his heart, too many to mention, but all of which will remember him forever. Doug ended his oil career at the young age of 82 after working for his good friend, Joe Henderson, owner of Southwestern Univ. and Newpark Drilling.Doug loved the University of Texas Longhorns, Dallas Cowboys, playing golf and any stray animal. The golf course was considered his office and he made many deals there. He married the love of his life Jane Thomas along the way and enjoyed their years together with lots of golf, family and friends. Doug was a Christian and attended church every Sunday despite a 20 mile drive each way.Doug is survived by his sister Pat and John Ivy of Kerrville, TX; daughters Elaine and Chris Lavington of Roseburg, OR; Karen and Marvin Esterly of Bayview, TX; Terri Thomas and Phil Bledsoe of Midland, TX; Jennifer and Mathew Switzer of Austin, TX and Laura Keough of Big Spring, TX; grandchildren Casey Hoskinson, Kelli Nunley, Kristin Lavington, Chuck Lavington, Samantha Switzer, Seth Switzer, Sutton Switzer, Zach Esterly, Rochelle Williams; great grandchildren Lane Esterly, Keagan Swearengin, Adilee Williams, Ethan Williams, Abby Lavington, and Tannor Lavington. He was preceded in death by parents A.A. and Zell Thomas, brother Tommy Thomas and his beloved Jane Watson Thomas.The family would like to express their gratitude towards hospice, his doctors and friends.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,
