David E. Thomas

David was born in Pittsburgh, PA in 1945 to Arthur and Irma Thomas. After graduating with his undergraduate degree in 1968 from Indiana University in PA, he served in the Army and spent one year in Vietnam. Upon returning to the US, David remained in the Army Reserves until his retirement as a Colonel in 1991. He began a teaching career at Maple Grove High School in Bemus Point in 1970. He loved a good debate and was known for challenging his students into many good discussions. He was unflinchingly loyal to his students and as their advocate always went above and beyond. He believed that learning was meant to be engaging and inspired students to believe in their own potential. During his tenure at Maple Grove, “Mr. T.” also coached football, baseball, girls’ softball, tennis, golf, and was the athletic director for many years before his retirement in 2000. David will be remembered for his hard work, his dedication, his sense of humor, his compassion, and his creativity.

David’s skills were endless. He was a wonderful woodworker/carpenter and could fix anything. He spent his summers working on the lake for the Chautauqua Lake Association and teaching summer school. After retirement, he traveled and did woodworking demonstrations with the PS Wood company. Once David had retired from his traveling woodworking, he spent his time with his eight grandchildren and traveling with his wife. He enjoyed working outside and was always busy with a project.

David is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Esther Peterson Thomas; his daughters Kimberly Thomas of Bemus Point, NY and Kathryn Thomas of Tampa FL; and his sons Mark Thomas and Scott Thomas (Melissa Gokey Thomas) of Magnolia, TX. He is also survived by his many grandchildren, who were a great source of joy and pride: Caelan Register of Bemus Point, NY; McKenna Thomas of Worcester, MA; Joshua (Alexandra) Thomas of Wichita, KS; Megan (Caleb) Borman of Huntsville, TX; Lucas, Kaeden, and Nathan Thomas of Magnolia, TX; and Jackson Thomas of Tampa, FL. In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, he is survived by two great-grandchildren, Eleanore and Arthur of Wichita, KS, as well as his sister Nancy (Dennis) Mitchell of Pittsburgh, PA, and many nieces and nephews.