Tehachapi's Online Community News & Entertainment Guide
Tehachapi's Online Community News & Entertainment Guide
Celebration of Life
Tom Thomas, brother of Rufus Thomas.
Tom Thomas passed away on August 12, 2020 in Bakersfield, California where he was born in 1937 to Grace and Edgar Thomas. He lived a very rewarding 83 years and is survived by a family who loves him dearly.
Tom was a passionate educator who absolutely adored teaching at various schools and levels. He traveled to teach in Guam, American Samoa, Saipan, Oregon and the University of Hawaii. He taught at Foothill High School in Bakersfield when it first opened in the '60s and Fairfax School District, before eventually retiring.
He is survived by his two children, Tammie and Wayne, four granddaughters, and two great grandchildren. Being a grandfather was the joy of his life. He is also survived by three brothers–Ralph (Rufus), Jerry and David–along with several cousins, nieces, and nephews. His family was very important to him and they were together as often as possible.
Tom loved to travel, taking his family on many adventures around the world over the years. He was an avid bookworm, enjoying reading (and then re-reading) as many history books as possible. He also enjoyed wood working in his shop. Tom attended Mill Creek Christian Church in Bakersfield.
He was in the U.S. Army, stationed in France before he started college. He attended Bakersfield College, Sacramento State College, McGeorge College of Law and University of Oregon (GO DUCKS!). He received his PhD from University of Oregon and his Master's degree from Sacramento State College.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you do something kind for someone, or pay it forward somehow. He would like that. He would also like you to vote in November. There will be no service at this time due to COVID-19. Family and friends hope to gather later this year.
Tom's family is forever grateful to Sophia, his caregiver for the past ten years and to Dr. M. Ashraf for his compassionate medical care. A special warm thank you to Bakersfield Heart Hospital's staff in the Covid-19 ICU unit. Our family is especially grateful for your special care of our father.
