J. L. Thomas

J. L. "Rock" Thomas died at his home February 25, 2012 after a hard fought battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born September 15, 1930 in Pampa, Texas to Emma Jordan and Buford Thomas. He married his sweetheart Jenny O'Docharty in Walters, Oklahoma on November 29, 1948. Rock loved to brag that he had been married 63 years to "the same woman". When he was asked how he did it, he would always tell them to ask Jenny. Rock started working in the oil field at age 12 pumping wells. He was a tool pusher by the time he was 21. He was a pioneer in the successful re-entry of old oil and gas wells that had been plugged. In February 1976, he and Jenny started Thomas Operating Company as a family business. Their daughter, Karen, worked in the office with Jenny. Their two sons, Guy and Mark, worked in the field with Rock. In its heyday they owned five re-entry rigs, one drilling rig, and had over 60 employees. In November 1986, The Re-Entry People was created. Rock was well known in the oil industry for his knowledge and expertise. Many of the tools and equipment that he designed are in use today. His only granddaughter, Jama Lea, called him "My Rock". He took great delight in spoiling her. Rock never met a stranger. He never passed anyone on the side of the road that needed help and many a hitchhiker got a ride. He had a love for nature and was never without a story to tell. The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Prater and his staff, Renew Health Care and Solaris Hospice for the loving care they gave Rock. Rock's "favorite daughter-in-law", Nelda, was a Godsend during his illness. Rock is survived by his wife of 63 years Jenny of Breckenridge, TX., his daughter Karen Martin of Breckenridge, son and daughter-in-law Guy and Nelda Thomas of Abilene, son Mark Thomas of Abilene, granddaughter Jama Lea Martin Stacy of Abilene, one sister Joyce Krushke of Odessa, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Opal Jo Edge and brothers George, Bob and Doug Thomas. Cremation arrangements are being made by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. The family wishes for everyone to remember Rock in their own way. There will be no service. Memorials may be made to the Ben Richey Boys Ranch or a charity of your choosing.