Mr. Mason L. Thomas

Obituary For Mr. Mason L. Thomas

- The Obituary -

Mason L. Thomas, Jr. was born April 26, 1922 to Catherine Gibbs and Mason L. Thomas in Tehuacana, Texas. His childhood consisted of fun and hard work. At age 17, Mason enrolled in the The Civilian Conservation Corps (aka CC Camp). This was a terrific place for young men to learn. However, on March 17, 1943, at age 18 he was drafted into the U. S. Army. This was the origin of his successful military career which lasted 27 years.

He enjoyed his years in the military and being of service to his country. His long list of service action consisted of a host of overseas military assignments. It started in the Pacific during World War II (WWII) with the Battery-B, 503rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Gun Battalion. He was in Okinawa, Japan in 1943 when WWII ended. His unit was credited for shooting down the last two Japanese planes that reached the shores of Okinawa. He was assigned to the 969th Field Artillery Gun Battalion, Battery-B at Fort Sill, Oklahoma in 1946 when he received the Presidential Unit Citation. This high-ranking citation is equivalent to the Distinguished Service Cross which is the U.S. Army’s second highest Valor Award behind the Medal of Honor. From September 1950 to February 1952, he was in action in Korea and from September 1968 to September 1969, he was in Vietnam.

Over the course of his 27 years of service with distinction, he was highly decorated with the Presidential Unit Citation Badge, the Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal with Four Clasps, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with One Service Star, the WWII Victory Medal, the Army Occupation Medal with Clasp (Japan), the National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Korean Service Medal with Five Service Stars, the United Nations Service Medal for Korea, the Vietnam Service Medal with Four Service Stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device 1968-1969.

His memories of his time in the military were good and bad as well as happy and sad. Mason loved his time in the military and was committed. However, the true love of his life was his wife of 51 years, Lorine P. Thomas who he wedded on December 29, 1969.

On January 19, 2021, Mason received the last and highest honor and award given to mankind. He received his free gift of eternal life from his Lord and Savior.

His path to eternity was preceded by many loving members of his family, including his mother, Catherine Gibbs; father, Mason Thomas; two sisters, Earner J. Belmar and Annie Smith; brother, Johnnie Hogan along with his stepsisters and stepbrothers.

Left to cherish the many memories of Mason L. Thomas, SFC USA Retired, is his loving wife, Lorine Thomas of Attalla, AL; sister, Irene (Mitchell) Fulen of Attalla, AL; brother-in-law, Ellis (Faye) Parker of Gadsden, AL; niece, Juanita Boyce of Houston, TX; Gloria Foleman of Mexia, TX (whom he loved as a niece); a host of great nieces, great nephews, other relatives and friends whom he cared for and supported with affection

Mason L. Thomas, 98, Gadsden, passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2021. He is survived by his wife Lorine P. Thomas

Public Viewing will be Tuesday 11 A.M.- 5 P.M At West Gadsden Funeral Home Chapel

Funeral services will be 11 A.M Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at the home of Mr. Thomas (1001 Case Ave Attalla Al).

Burial will take place Saturday, Mexia City Cemetery Mexia, Texas.

Arrangements under the direction of: West Gadsden Funeral Home 256-549-0004