Obit of Thomas, Ted - Oklahoma County, Oklahoma Submitted by: Gene Phillips 16 Dec 2004 Return to Oklahoma County Archives: http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/ok/oklahoma/oklahoma.html ========================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm ========================================================================== Thomas, Ted A service celebrating the life of Ted Thomas, age 47, a lifelong resident of Oklahoma City will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 25, 2002 in the Midwest City First Christian Church, 11950 E. Reno (Reno and Anderson Road) Midwest City, OK with Dr. Les Brown officiating. Ted was born February 5, 1955 in Oklahoma City the son of William H. and Wilma (Ingle) Thomas. He passed away Sunday, September 22, 2002 at his home. Ted was raised in Oklahoma City attending the Oklahoma City Public Schools, graduating from US Grant High School in 1973. In the late 1970's Ted began a career officiating at sporting events. He officiated at softball games for 6 years, participating in the USSSA men's major world series in 1980 at the All-Sports Stadium, which has been the only time it has been held in this area. Ted also officiated at baseball games for 21 years, participating in the Big-8 conference from 1983 to 1990. He was a state rules interpreter for many years for the OSSAA and was on of the local assignment commissioners for 10 years. Ted officiated at various baseball events, including numerous high school state tournaments, many state championships games and the Olympic Festival held in Oklahoma City in 1989. He also worked for the USA National Tournament in Tennessee in 1990. Ted was chosen the National High School Federation baseball official of the year in 1991 and was considered one of the best umpires to ever put a mask on. Ted was also involved with officiating football for more than 24 years. Working 5 state championships as well as many other play-off games highlighted his high school career. He was a local high school assignment commissioner for the Mid-State Conference and served as the Oklahoma City area coordinator for 5 years. Ted also officiated college football in the Oklahoma Collegiate Conference, the Lone Star Conference and the Western Athletic Conference from 1988 to 2002. His ultimate goal was realized when he was accepted into the WAC in 1999. Ted also had many other accomplishments including participating in the All-State game in 1996 and the Oil Bowl in 1998. He was the first person chosen to the Oklahoma Metro Officials Hall-of-Fame in 2002. Ted was elected to the OSSAA Hall-of-Fame in 2002. He also officiated at basketball events for 14 years, serving at many local high school games and the women's college basketball games. Ted was a business owner, operating the Referee's Call, for more than 10 years, remaining active until his death. He was united in marriage to Janet Roe Bay on March 20, 1999 in Oklahoma City. He was a member of the Mayridge Baptist Church of Oklahoma City. Survivors include his loving wife, Janet of the home; his parents; Bill and Wilma Thomas of Oklahoma City; three daughters; Traci Cook and her husband David of Meeker, OK; Terri Thomas of Oklahoma City and Jennifer Bay of Lafayette, LA; one son; Eric Bay of Baton Rouge, LA; three grandchildren; Cole Cook, Timothy Thomas and Haley Thomas; and the family pet dog, Schuyler. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial donations be made in memory of Ted to the Mercy At Home Hospice Organization, 13301 N. Meridian, Building 200, Oklahoma City, OK 73120. Burial will conclude in Resthaven Memory Gardens under the direction the Resthaven Funeral Home of Oklahoma City. RESTHAVEN FUNERAL HOME S.W. 104TH AT WALKER 691-1661 Published in the Oklahoman on 9/24/2002. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to Oklahoma County Archives: http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/ok/oklahoma/oklahoma.html