Dr. Thurman Orphus (T.O.) Thomas, (89), lovingly referred to by his children and friends as a "prayer warrior", is now in heaven singing and praising his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He passed away Friday, January 19, 2018.


T.O was born in Port Arthur, Texas on September 25, 1928 to Harry and Jennie Grace Thomas. He attended Southwestern Assembly of God Biblical College in Waxahachie, Texas. He served as pastor for seven Assembly of God churches in Indiana, Mississippi, and Texas. After leaving the pulpit, he spent the rest of his life helping new churches build and grow. You could find him helping clear land, swinging a hammer, setting up classrooms or teaching a bible study in and around the Richmond/Rosenberg and SW Houston area. T.O. was an active member of Braeswood Baptist Church in Houston, and then later at Second Baptist in Katy.

He received his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Houston in 1971 and was employed as a staff psychologist for Houston Independent School District where he retired in 1994. He worked his way through graduate school at extra jobs as a sales clerk for Foley's, JC Penny's, Joske's and Walter Pye's.

He grew up with a love of music. He started playing the trombone at three years old. He grew to love the Big Band Sound, and as a young man dreamed of joining the Tommy Dorsey Band! Dixieland jazz was his forte. He was a member of the Circuit Riders Dixieland Band for many years. He would pick up his trombone and play for anyone. In the last few years, he loved going to Second Baptist West Campus to worship with the choir and enjoyed watching the orchestra.

He and his late wife, Pat, traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Mexico, Honduras, Canada, and Russia. They loved walking in the steps of Jesus, tracing history and serving with missionaries.

His last days were spent at Heritage Park Nursing home in Katy under the loving care of a wonderful staff. Until he could not read anymore, he spent all of his free time reading his bible and earned the nickname of "Preacher Man". He loved to sing hymns when the Church of Christ of Katy would come every Sunday afternoon.

He is survived by three daughters: Debbie Akeroyd and her husband Bob; Vicki Gorman and her husband Mike; and Lisa Gower, and by three step-children: Kathleen McMahon and her husband Patrick; Joan Millard; and Mark Hopman and his wife Laurie; by nine grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren: Sister: Linda Million and her husband Paul. Nephews: Marty and Doug Million and their families. He is preceded in death by his brother, Carol Wayne Thomas; parents, Harry & Jenny Thomas, granddaughter, Jennifer McMahon and his wife of 40 years, Patricia Hopman Thomas of Richmond/Rosenberg.

A viewing will be held from 5 – 7 PM Thursday, January 25, 2018 at Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors Chapel, 1201 Fourth St, Rosenberg, Texas 77471. A Memorial Service is set for 2 PM Friday, January 26, 2018 at Second Baptist Church, Williams House, 19449 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77094.

Condolence messages may be written for the Thomas family at www.garmanycarden.com.

Services are under the direction of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, 1201 Fourth Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 (281)342-4671.