Jerry Thomas

Gerald Wayne (Jerry) Thomas passed away peacefully on July 7, 2024, at the age of 84 in Odessa, Texas surrounded by his family who loved him dearly. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Crossroads Church with Griff Jones officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are in the care of Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home of Odessa. 

Gerald Wayne was born on April 1, 1940, in Houston, Texas to Robert Drayton and Geraldine Thomas. After high school graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served for 4 years. He later attended Alvin Junior College where he studied drafting and went on to teach at-risk students at Job Corp in San Marcos, Texas. He eventually moved to Odessa, in 1974 where he began his career in the oilfield. He spent the last 25 years of his career working as a Risk Manager for Key Energy, where he was committed to helping many families navigate through tragedy and/or other critical job-related situations. Many who knew Jerry, knew him as "JT" and his love for the game of golf. He enjoyed many years of playing and traveling to tournaments with the many friends he made throughout the years. He loved to spend time with his "small group". He served as the president of the Odessa Country Club in 2005 and several years on the board. Jerry was also very much a people person. He never met a stranger and lived life to the fullest. 

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Drayton and Geraldine Thomas; brother, Robert Thomas; and wife, Nelda Thomas. 

He is survived by his daughter, Andrea Martin and spouse Tommy; daughter Susan Slaton and spouse Byron; stepdaughter, Vicki Vickers and spouse Tom Sorrells; Butch Waldrop and spouse Terri; grandchildren, Ryan Slaton, Jordan Slaton, Mallori Huston and spouse Luke, Taylor Martin and spouse Victoria, Joshua Vickers and spouse Jaime, Britt Vickers and spouse Kasey, Bradley Vickers and spouse Andi, David  Waldrop and spouse Emily, Jennifer Smith and spouse Russell; and many great-grandchildren. 

Pallbearers will be Joshua Vickers, Britt Vickers, Bradley Vickers, David Waldrop, Bob Murray, and Chas Weatherby. 

The family would like to thank all the friends and loved ones who stayed in touch with him after Nelda's passing, as well as his caretakers, who made it possible for him to enjoy living in his own home until his brief stay at the hospital. Arrangements are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home. To send condolences to the family, please sign his guestbook at www.sunsetodessa.com.