Obituary: Willet Tommy (Tom) Thomas

Willet Tommy (Tom) Thomas, 85, died peacefully on Aug. 20, 2024, in his Mansfield home after a lengthy illness.

Tom was born May 21, 1939, in Holliday, Texas, to W.S. and Cloe Thomas.  He was a 1957 graduate of Holliday ISD. Tom married Betsy in 1975 in Dallas, Texas. Shortly thereafter, they made their home in Mansfield.  

The many people acquainted with Tom knew him as a caring family man who combined — and shared — humor, sound advice and keen insights about the people and community around him.

A psychologist with multiple degrees from the University of North Texas, Tom spent much of his life helping others as a social services professional. His career began in San Antonio helping provide training, jobs, and other assistance to those with mental health challenges.

His career also included service with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, a role that found him assisting Native Americans who wanted to transition from reservation life to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Later, he helped monitor several public health clinics in multiple states. He retired after several years from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Tom was a tournament-winning tennis player at Walnut Creek Country Club in Mansfield, where he also served on the Tennis Advisory Board. He particularly looked forward to Monday nights when he played doubles with Darrell Rayburn, Billy Rotan, and Jerry Bailey.

He was also active at First Methodist Church of Mansfield where, at various times, he served as treasurer, member of the Administrative Council, Finance Committee member and president of the Seeker’s Sunday School Class.

Tom made no secret that he was proud of his children, grandchildren, sons-in-law, and his daughter-in-law. Betsy said, “I could not have asked for a better partner in life. He was funny and smart; he loved to make me laugh. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and son. He loved God, his country, his family, tennis, and me.”

Tom is survived by his wife of 49 years, Betsy Thomas, a retired teaching professional. He is also survived by his daughter, Julee Sue Thomas-Johnson, her husband, Colin, and their two children, Claire and Brett; his son, John David Thomas, and his wife, Armine, and their son Cameron and his wife, Brittany; and by their daughter, Sara Ann Woolf, her husband, Brian, and their three children, Charlie, Beau, and Thomas Joseph (TJ).

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Sept. 13, 2024, at the First Methodist Church in Mansfield, 777 N. Walnut Creek Dr., Mansfield, Texas.

Memorials may be directed to the Mansfield Mission Center, the Alzheimer’s Association or the First Methodist Church of Mansfield.

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