Paul Thomas
February 25, 1942 — October 6, 2025
It is with a very heavy heart his family announces on October 6, 2025, Paul passed away surrounded by his wife, daughter, and granddaughter in Tonkawa, OK.
Paul Lee Thomas was born February 25, 1942, in Pawhuska, OK. He was brought into this world by his parents, Joe Thomas and Birdie Lou Horine. Paul was the last child born into a family of five children. He grew up in the rural areas of Wynona and Hominy, Oklahoma. He attended Mound Valley public school for all 12 years.
Paul grew up a good ole’ country boy, immersing himself in ranching, farming, fishing, hunting and learning how to connect deeply with the agriculture that Osage County has to offer, he never stopped admiring the beauty of his home territory. Paul was a true outdoorsman and enjoyed anything that kept him busy outside. You could often find him sitting in his chair, looking out a big bay window watching birds and drinking coffee or reading western novels with one, two, or three dogs beside him. Paul Thomas was nothing short of lively, wild spirited, witty and headstrong. He was unapologetically himself without fail. You could often hear him thundering support or disagreement at referees at any sports function. He was notoriously known for cruising the backroads of Burbank with his car full of dogs. The gift of being an excellent musician came naturally to Paul. When attending Webb City Church, he played the drums. He was also in a band for many years, playing the drums. He also enjoyed singing and playing the piano. Music has always been a passion for him that was so strong it echoed through his body giving him the rhythm to be a great dancer. That lives on in his kids and grandkids. Paul worked for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation as a civil engineer for 42 years. He retired in 2004. He married the love of his life, Doreen Jack in 1967 in Nowata, OK. Paul has one son Rusty Thomas, one daughter, Tanya Thomas Beats, and one stepdaughter, Rhonda Whitewolf. He is a grandfather of 4 and a great grandfather of 3, plus one that will be born in May. If there is something Paul took more pride in than being a father—it was being a grandfather.
Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Doreen Thomas, his son Rusty Thomas, his daughter, Tanya Beats, his stepdaughter, Rhonda Whitewolf, his grandchildren Brenna Walker, Sara Lustig, Seth Trueblood, Duane Matthews and Caroline Thomas. His great grandchildren Jax Walker, Lily and Mason Lustig.
He is preceded in death by his parents Birdie Louisa Minerva Thomas and Virgil “Joe” Clifton Thomas. His siblings: Virgil Hiram Thomas, Troy Sylvan Thomas, Tony Clifton Thomas and Joyce Jeanette Thomas Moles.
The viewing will be held at Grace Memorial Chapel in Ponca City, Thursday October 16, 2025, from 3pm -7pm. The celebration of Paul’s life will be a graveside service at the Burbank Cemetery in Burbank, OK on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 1 pm.
Interment Funeral
