Michael "Mike" Lee Thomas passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving wife and girls with a smile on his face, as if he were being greeted by an old friend. As a thirty-year cancer survivor, he fought a long battle with renal disease and succumbed to his illness on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Michael was born to Roland and Ruby Helen Frost Thomas in Quanah, Texas on September 26, 1948. The Thomas family moved throughout the southwest during Michael's childhood, where he excelled in math, science, and classroom hijinks wherever he went. After completing his studies at Oklahoma State University School of Technical Training, Mike enlisted in the army where he was subsequently sent to Vietnam as a Military Police Sentry Dog Handler. It was in the US Army, while on assignment during a chance encounter in Germany, where Mike met Joanne, the love of his life for the last 52 years. Affectionately referred to as the "Tall Texan", they built a beautiful life together living in Texas, where Mike had a successful career in engineering. Mike was a respected engineer in the oil and gas industry for over 40 years, working on everything from government projects to offshore drilling. Mike and Joanne went on to have two wonderful daughters, Emily and Kimberly. If there was anything that made him more proud than serving his country, it was his girls. He was an amazing dad and present for every moment in their lives. He always made sure to let them know he loved them. Mike was an avid gardener, woodworker, and outdoorsman; he was happiest sitting at the beach at Mustang Island. Michael was proceeded in death by his parents and brother Terry, age seven. He is survived by his wife Joanne, who was not only his wife, but his friend, caregiver, and advocate to the very end; his two daughters, Emily Stander (Nicholas) and Kimberly Kristensen (Daniel), and grandchildren Caroline, Samuel and Patrick Stander, and Finn and Clayton Kristensen. They will miss his love, politically incorrect humor, and laughter. Michael will be buried with full military honors at the VA National Cemetery in Houston, Texas on January 9, 2026, with a reception immediately following the ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mike's honor to either of the following charities:

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy fights to end Duchenne. We accelerate research, raise our voices to impact policy, demand optimal care for every single family, and strive to ensure access to approved therapies.

www.parentprojectmd.org

Warrior Dog Foundation

The Warrior Dog Foundation transitions our country's working K9s from an operational environment into retirement. Providing mental and physical rehabilitation, and rehoming options to Military Working Dogs (MWD), Contract Working Dogs (CWD) and Law Enforcement K9s that otherwise would be euthanized.

www.warriordogfoundation.org