Thomas S. Thomas

Thomas Stephen Thomas, known by friends as Tom, passed away Wednesday, September 16, 2026. He was a resident of Topeka, Kansas and was 88 years old. 

He was born May 20, 1938, in Jackson, Michigan, the son of Allen F. and Thelma (Zohe) Thomas. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1961 with a bachelor's degree in economics and a minor in psychology. He briefly held positions with the Teamsters Union and with the State of Wisconsin, Department of Public Welfare, Division of Mental Hygiene.

Tom married Patricia Ann Sommers on July 30, 1960, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Over the years they lived in Wisconsin, New York, and finally settled in Topeka, Kansas where they were members of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. After 63 years of marriage, Pat passed away on December 21, 2023.

Tom joined the Air National Guard in 1960, stationed primarily in Madison, Wisconsin, and Westhampton Beach, New York, where he flew the F-89, F-102, and HC-130. He retired in 1985 with the rank of Colonel (COL).

In 1969, Thomas became a pilot with American Airlines, flying the 707, 727, 767, DC-10, and finally the MD-80, out of Chicago, New York City, and Dallas/Fort Worth. He retired with the rank of Captain in 1998 after 29 years of service.

Tom and Pat enjoyed living on Topeka's Lake Sherwood, where they took pleasure in their feline family, the abundance of birds, deer, and other wildlife, and in occasional boat rides to enjoy the quiet of being out on the water. A technical enthusiast, he kept busy in the 1990s running his consulting business, Thomas Associates.

Survivors include his son, Thomas S. Thomas II (wife, Kristine), of Griffin, Georgia; his daughter, Kristen Cook (husband, Vincent), of Ossining, New York; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Thelma Thomas; his wife, Patricia; and his brothers, Peter and John.

A funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 28, 2026, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 3625 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka. The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, 4700 SW 17th, Topeka, Kansas.

Memorial contributions may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Topeka, KS.