Ralph “Felix” Thomas, loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend too many, went safely into the arms of Christ on August 12 at the age of 79. 

Felix was born on April 6, 1931, in Ladonia, Texas.  A graduate of Ladonia High School and East Texas State University, Felix spent much of his professional life impacting the lives of countless children through his service as a high school coach, teacher, principle and superintendent for Dodd City, Princeton, Trenton and others.  Felix’s love for teaching was evident not just in the classroom but clearly visible each time he taught one of his children or grandchildren how to bait a hook, ride a horse or sight in a rifle.

After his time as a school administrator Felix became a farmer, oilman and later ran a variety of successful businesses until his retirement in 2005.  Felix had a passion for fishing, hunting and spending time in front of the television watching his beloved Dallas Cowboys.  But above all, he loved everyone with every ounce of his huge heart. 

He cherished those moments with family, especially his children and grandchildren.  Spending an evening with family frying catfish caught earlier that morning drift fishing at Lake Lavon was his idea of a perfect day.  He will be missed by so many. 

Felix was preceded in death by his parents, William Marion and Bennie Doris Thomas, sister Ida Jane Boger, and stepdaughter Sherry King.

Felix is survived by his wife Dorothy of McKinney, daughters La Nell Thomas of Albuquerque, NM, Janice Taylor and her husband Doyce of Bonham, Tracey Archibald and husband Mike of Wylie, stepdaughters Lorrie Gray of McKinney, Frances Recer of Commerce and stepson Frank Clements of McKinney along with 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. 

Praise be to God for His promise of salvation for we know as Paul said in 2nd Timothy, “The time has come for my departure.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 

Visitation will be Saturday evening from 6-8 at Delta Funeral Home, Ladonia, Texas with services following on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at the Methodist Church of Ladonia.

Pallbearers are grandsons: Johnny Horton, Brenton Horton, Brandon Horton, Lance Davis, Rick Martin, Steven Taylor.

Honorary pallbearers are Johnny Cotten, Johnny Kyle Cotten, Nathan Don Cotten, Larry Cotten, Loyd Johnson, Chris Johnson, Rick Pickard , Andy Weeks, Nick Weeks, Al Barkley. 

Service will conclude with interment at the Pecan Gap Cemetery. Felix requested that any donations in his name to be made to the First United Methodist Church Ladonia, Texas.