Donald Nelson Thomas, 86, of Wichita Falls, Texas and Long Island, New York, passed away on December 7, 2020 in Wichita Falls. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, December 12, 2020 in Lunn's Colonial Chapel with Pastor Chad Stubblefield officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 6-7 PM Friday at the Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home.

Don was born in Freeport Long Island, New York to Julius and Marguerite (Neilson) Thomas on January 14, 1934. He graduated from Freeport High School, Freeport, NY in 1952. On September 7, 1958 Don married Doris Wegmann. He worked as a Ford Mechanic for 30 years, then Crockett Elementary school, and finally the Museum of North Texas History. Don proudly served in the US Army during the Korean War.

Don was an avid railroad hobbyist and a diorama builder. He loved educating children about railroading. He volunteered at the Humane Society and Trinity Lutheran Church. He loved animals and made pets of rabbits and squirrels in his backyard. He missed picking blue berries by the side of the road. Don enjoyed spending time with his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He never knew a stranger and loved telling stories about his family history.

Don is preceded in death by his mother and father; his wife Doris Thomas; three brothers, Ralph, Earl and Calvin Thomas; and a great grandson Aaron LaRue.

Don is survived by his sons, Chris Thomas and wife Brenda, Charles Thomas and spouse A. C. Spaugh; and daughter Susan Cochran and husband Glen; grandchildren, Christopher Thomas, Jr. and spouse Laura Durant, Amanda LaRue and husband J.P., Kimberly Thomas and Bryant Smith and wife Kaitlyn; Teresa Cochran Foster and husband Jason,  Samantha Cochran Grannes and husband Kevin, Caitlyn Cochran Purcell and husband Brandt, Skye Cochran Evans and husband Cody and Connor T. Cochran; great grandchildren, Caleb LaRue, Ashlyn LaRue, Giuliana Smith, Aden and Juliana Foster, Julius and Bryson Grannes, Kale Hall, Kara Purcell, Autumn, Jasper, and Malachy Evans; brother-in-law Ed Wegmann and wife Dorothy and extended family.