Philip Stanton Thomas

Philip Stanton "Phil" Thomas, 86, died at Midland Hospice House on January 13, 2013 surrounded by his family. He was born on December 3, 1926 in Louisburg, Kansas, the son of Lorin Stanton and Rose (Sheehan) Thomas. Phil was a 1944 graduate of Louisburg Rural High School and went into the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in the Pacific, in Guam and China. He entered KU in the fall of 1946 and graduated with a B.S. degree in 1950 and a Master?s degree in 1958. Post graduate work was completed at Ft. Hays State University, Emporia State University, and the University of Kansas. He served as an administrator and teacher in public school for 17 years in the communities of Fontana, Stanley, Morrowville and Natoma. In 1966 he joined the Kansas State Department of Education in Topeka where he served in several capacities until his retirement in 1992. After retirement he served as a substitute teacher and in various volunteer roles in the Topeka community. Mr. Thomas was a member of several professional organizations, as well as St. Matthew Parish and the American Legion. He was an amateur philatelist, genealogist and history buff. Phil was a lover of nature, especially wildlife. He enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels and teaching his grandchildren about trees, berries and various points of interest in nature. He also enjoyed reading and listening to classical music. Phil married Helen Marie Raley at Louisburg, Kansas on August 28, 1948. She survives. He is also survived by their three children, Phyllis Marie Barbe and her husband Jean-Francois of Paris, France, Lawrence Thomas and his wife Kay of Topeka, and Sheral Thomas of Topeka. He has seven grandchildren: Lee (Stephanie) Thomas, Shane (Megan) Thomas, Allison (Scott) Hanna, Miles Murphy, Curtis Murphy, all of Topeka, Christophe (Annie) Barbe of San Jose, California, and Philippe Barbe of Arlington, Virginia. Several great grandchildren also survive: Logan, Katelynn and Cade Thomas; Lileigh and Analeigh Thomas; Kyler and Kolbi Hanna. He is also survived by a sister, Rosanne (Roland) Simon of Charlottesville, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Paul James Thomas and Raymond Larkin Thomas. Mr. Thomas will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 16th at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. and a Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 17th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Interment with military honors provided by Philip Billard Post #1650 of the VFW will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to St. Matthew Catholic Church or Midland Hospice Care and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.