Obituary for Donald Thomas
Donald Rogers Thomas was born in 1927 in Montgomery, AL. He graduated from Sidney Lanier HS and Auburn University with an art degree in 1952. He moved to Orlando in 1955 and did design work for several companies before finding his niche as a commercial illustrator for churches, Disney projects, Parade of Homes, and the iconic Gray Hound Racing billboard.
Don, the second of five siblings, grew up building model airplanes, traveled the world aboard a Navy refueling ship, played the clarinet in the Auburn marching band, was a commercial artist and photographer for 50 years before retiring to spend more time gardening. He traveled to Ukraine for a mission trip in 1991. Don was married to the love of his life, Peggy Coleman for over 70 years. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at an early age and lived a full and faithful life.
He is preceded in death by his parents Eula Lee Marler and John H.Thomas, Sr; siblings John H. Thomas (Helen) of Mobile, AL and Jean T. Newlin (Clarke) of Houston, TX. He is survived by Edward L. (Caroline) Thomas of Orlando and Jim (Irma) Thomas of Trophy
Club, TX ; children Donald R. (Jan) Thomas of Altamonte Springs, FL, Keith W. (Lisa) Thomas Orlando, Joy T. (Dr. Price) Kloess Birmingham, AL, Blake C. (Beth) Thomas Daytona Beach, Scott G. (Susanne) Thomas of Maitland, 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, February 25, 2023 at First Baptist Orlando’s Henry Chapel at 2pm with visitation beforehand at 1pm. There will be a private family burial at Highlands Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Orlando : Foreign Missions Board or to your favorite charity.
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