Donald James Thomas
July 1, 1928 ~ October 23, 2025

Known affectionately by many names Don (Mr Don, Mr T, Dad, Major, Pops) passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025 at the Charleston Assisted Living Facility in Waldorf, Maryland. He was born on July 1,1928 in Fern, British Columbia, Canada. The family relocated to Washington State in his youth. Don was the sixth of ten children of Ward J Thomas and Nellie B (Goodson) Thomas. His father was a former mayor of Algona, Washington. Don spent much of his youth working on the family farm and neighboring farms.

Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17. He left for boot camp on the final day of his senior year of high school. He rose in rank from private to major, serving his country during World War II, The Korean Conflict and Vietnam. Don often wore his Marine Corps cap when in public. When thanked for his service, he would frequently say that he never fired his weapon during his 25 years of service. This would irritate his children who wanted him to portray himself as the tough as nails Marines as seen in television commercials. This tough as nails Marine was a gentle man. Upon leaving the Corps, he was employed as a license examiner by the MVA in Waldorf, Maryland. Years after his retirement from the MVA, complete strangers would recognize him as the man who gave them a driver permit.

Don was married for 66 years to the late Julia (Yazek) Thomas. He was by her side as she passed away the day after her 86th birthday in 2017. The couple raised five children, David (Diane), Robert, Scott (Wanda), Jeffrey (Gabi), and Shirley Kugler (Larry). Don and Julia escaped their grown children by taking a trip to Florida that lasted 35 years and led an active life often centered on their mutual Roman Catholic faith. They traveled the world with church groups and alone as a couple. They danced together all the days of their lives. A lifelong sports enthusiast (fast pitch softball, referee, umpire), the Florida sun gave Don the opportunity to play golf a few times a week, a sport he pursued into his 90s.

Don is survived by his five children and their spouses. He leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren, as well as dozens of nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by one grandchild. His older sister, Helen, the last of his siblings passed away October 8th of this year at the age of 98.

A funeral Mass will be held October 31, 2025 at 10:00am at St Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church in McConchie, Maryland. Major Thomas will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Don has planned some great old songs for his service. Come and wish him Godspeed.