THIS IS THE WRITE UP ON DICK THOMAS - Friends, colleagues and former students are mourning the death of Richard “Dick” Thomas. The former longtime Killeen High School band director and administrator at three Killeen Independent School District schools died Friday at his home in Harker Heights after a battle with cancer. He was 83. Thomas was remembered fondly as a man who had a genuine love of people, music and his family. Former Killeen ISD Superintendent Charles Patterson said Thomas was one of the first people he met when he came to Killeen High as a teacher in 1958. “He was a consummate band director,” Patterson said. “He wanted excellence and got it. The band was highly recognized across the state — and the kids were crazy about him. He was one of my very best friends. It grieved me when he became so ill.” Paula Lohse, dealer principal at Toyota of Killeen, was the KHS band’s drum major in 1970. Lohse said Thomas left an indelible mark on her life. “I just loved him so much. He was such a great, inspirational teacher,” Lohse said. “We worked really hard but we had a lot of fun along the way. I use that same philosophy in my business life.” Lohse said the students always knew Thomas cared about them and wanted them to succeed. “He just loved music and shared that love with us,” she said. “He always let us know we mattered to him.” Thomas was a professional educator, beginning with his first job as the band director at Texarkana High School. He then served as Kaufman High School’s band director for a year, before moving to Killeen High School in 1957. While at KHS, he created the Killeen Kangarettes dance team, and led the band to numerous awards. In 1970, Thomas became the assistant principal and later principal at Rancier Junior High School. Retired educator and former Killeen ISD school board president Joe Maines served as assistant principal with Thomas at Rancier, beginning in 1972. “It was my first job in KISD,” Maines said. “We became close friends. He was a great, great mentor. ... Dick knew how to give advice in a way that made you better. “He was committed to students, faculty and staff — he was supportive of everyone. ... He touched so many lives. Dick Thomas may be gone, but his legacy lives on.” In 1976, the family moved to Austin, where Thomas served Gov. Dolph Briscoe’s administration as the deputy director on the Governor’s Committee on Aging. Thomas later returned to Killeen to become the director of Community Education for Killeen ISD. “That program absolutely blossomed under him,” Patterson said. Thomas’ final job in Killeen ISD — principal at Fowler Elementary — was one of his favorites. “He used to tell me there was nothing like getting hugs from the kids,” Patterson said. Thomas also was a renowned musician, earning accolades for his skills on the drums. He formed his first band, Dick Thomas and the Dreamtones, in 1948 before he graduated from Ennis High School in 1949. He graduated from Southwestern University in 1953 with a bachelor’s degree in music education. Following graduation, he joined the Army and was a member of the 62nd Army Band at Fort Bliss from 1953 to 1955. He received a graduate degree from Vandercook College of Music in Chicago following his discharge from the Army. During his lifetime, he was a member of several bands. In 1981, Thomas organized the KISD Jazz Co-op, which was composed of local musicians to promote the sounds of the Big Band era. In 1992, he formed the Dick Thomas Orchestra and played at area receptions, dance clubs and events. Local musician Mitch Connell knew Thomas since childhood, first as a neighbor, then as his junior high principal and later as a musical mentor. “He always encouraged me and respected my talent.” Connell said. “I learned all I know about jazz from him. When he was playing, he was so full of joy that he couldn’t help but smile.” Thomas was an active member of all communities where he resided, participating in and directing activities. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Killeen for over 50 years and served the church as choir director and later as a member of the choir. The choir visited Thomas at his home in the last week of his life so he could hear their Christmas concert. Patterson said Thomas will leave an enduring mark on the community. “He had a fierce loyalty to people and especially to his family,” Patterson said. “He will be missed.” Thomas is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Lynn; son Jeff and his wife, Julie, and their children, Lindsey, Shelby and Blake; son Brad and his wife, Danny, and children, Austin and Olivia; daughter Julie Burke and her daughter, Allison Burke; a sister, Brett Averitt, and her husband, Bob, and their children Angela and Mark. Memorial donations may be made to the organ fund at the First United Methodist Church of Killeen or to your favorite charity. A celebration of Thomas’ life will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the First United Methodist Church, 3501 Elms Road in Killeen. Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen is in charge of arrangements.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 15:25:08 +0000
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