A Celebration of the life of Jason D. Thomas, 45, of Athens, Texas is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, March 8, 2014 at the First Baptist Church of Athens with Dr. Kyle Henderson and Dr. Tony Romans officiating. At a later date Jason’s family will carry out his request to scatter his ashes in Texas and Arkansas, the two places he had the most fun with his family while growing up.
Jason went to be with the Lord on Feb. 21, 2014 after a battle with cancer.
Jason Thomas was born on March 3, 1968 in Athens, Texas the son of Larry G. Thomas and Mary Ann Aaron Thomas. He became a Christian at the age of 7 and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Athens his entire life. Jason Graduated from Athens High School in 1986 and from TVCC in 1988. After graduation he worked several places in Athens before going to work for Central Freight Company where he worked as a pick-up & delivery driver, a dispatcher and an over the road driver for the next 15 years. In January 2005 a truck wreck ended his career and left him a quadriplegic. Before his accident Jason enjoyed riding motorcycles, camping with family and friends, swimming, water skiing, deep sea fishing, disc golf, men’s softball and hunting. After his accident, thanks to special equipment, he continued to hunt. In 2009 he had a chance to go to Africa and returned with some very nice trophies he shot with his crossbow.
A few years ago Jason became interested in the Hope Springs water project of drilling water wells in other countries. In 2012, he was the Director of the First Annual Hope Springs Golf Tournament Benefit which was a huge success. In 2013, he was unable to head up this tournament but he helped with it as much as possible.
Jason enjoyed watching his kids, Aaron and Natalie play all kinds of sports, taking them on trips and generally just enjoying life to the fullest, cherishing each moment God granted him. He was always upbeat and always had a smile on his face no matter what his circumstances.
In 2013 Jason wrote “In 2005 My Life Changed Forever. Some say it changed for the worse. I say it’s all relative as to how you look at it. Is it worse that I continue to live life despite my physical condition? Is it worse that I get to watch my kids grow up? Is it worse that this has brought me close to the best group of friends a man could have? I say these things are better than the alternative. Live Life To The Fullest, Cause You Never Know When It Might Take A Turn For The “Better”.”
Jason was a loving father, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and a cherished friend to many. He will be greatly missed by all he touched.
Jason was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Burton and Dealva Thomas; maternal grandparents, Oscar and Lucille Aaron; maternal aunts, Myrtle Aaron McNew, Jackie Aaron Clement and maternal cousins, Lee Tanner and Wayne Carlile.
He is survived by his beloved children, Aaron and Natalie Thomas of Arp; his loving parents, Larry and Mary Ann Aaron Thomas of Athens; his sister, Lisa Thomas Johnson and husband A.J. of Spring; a nephew, Luke Johnson also of Spring; uncles and aunts, John and Mary Jo Aaron Tanner, Tony and Ann Hall Thomas of Athens, Ruth Aaron Faulkinbury of Oregon, Lynda Thomas Lewis of Richardson; numerous cousins from Henderson County and throughout the U.S. and too many friends to name.
Honorary pallbearers will be Shad and Sandie Moon, Aaron (Bubba) and Renee Smith, Eric and Tracye Smith, Brad and Amy Rogers, Junior and Amy Pirkle, Chris and Tammy Womble, Chris and Laci House, Billy and Lori Brewer, Tee and Angela Cotton, Don and Dawn Fitzmartin, Todd and Tanya Fowler, Phil and Melanie Oldham, Woody and Becky Paul, Mark and Terry Roman, Steve and Jill Kovar, Donnie Lewis, Blake McNatt, Cherie Exner, Angela Sessions, Jamie Wallace, Rhonda Dedear and the Omega Home Health Care Staff.
A Special thanks to Dr. Ted Mettetal and his staff and the Omega Home Health Care Staff for the loving care, above and beyond the call of duty. Jason loved all of you like family and we know you felt the same about him.
A gathering will follow his Celebration of Life in the Global Café at First Baptist Church.
Services were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home Family.
You may light a candle or write a condolence to the family on www.hannigansmith.com
You always saw a smile on his face. You could tell he loved his kids and they loved him.
Dear Thomas family, I am so sorry for your loss. Jason was a sweet man and I remember him with that big beautiful smile always on his face. I know he will be missed by family and friends– especially his children. But just remember that he is walking beside God and getting all his questions answered! Love and prayers to you all.