Dr. Roy E. Thoman, 83, of Amarillo, TX passed away on January 12, 2022.
Services will be at 4:00 P.M., Friday, January 14, 2022, in the Llano Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel, with Dr. Howard K. Batson officiating. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.
Dr. Roy E. Thoman was a beloved member of the WTAMU family for 48 years where he served as a professor of political science. Having earned a B.A. from the University of Evansville, an M.A. from Indiana University and a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky, Roy was life-long learner who read a broad base of scholarly resources which equipped him to converse on almost any topic at hand. Second only to his love for learning, his love for students kept him in the classroom long after he could have retired.
After dating and being dinner friends for 5 years, Roy married Jan Brister on May 21, 2005, in the Original Building of First Baptist Church. Together, they enjoyed traveling to Fredericksburg and collecting original art and unique antiques and conversation starters. While Roy enjoyed a rich Catholic heritage, he and Jan seldom missed a service broadcast by First Baptist. Jan preceded Roy in death on February 12, 2020.
Roy will be remembered as a sharp dresser (he needed more closet space than Jan), a lively conversationalist, a dedicated educator, and an encourager to all who had the privilege of calling him friend.
Roy is survived by many friends and family members who each treasure memories of time together with Roy whether at WTAMU or around the thanksgiving table.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist “Loft” project or to a charity of your choice.
I was lucky to grow up in a house full of intriguing books and to have a father who nurtured in me a life-long love of learning. Also, he was great at telling a joke. Dad, you will be missed.
I had a summer class with Dr. Thomas on Evironmental Politics. It was 2 1/2 hours long. I hope he can forgive me for falling asleep behind my sunglasses. A good man and professor.
Although I never met Roy, I was kept up to date on his activities by my brother-in-law (Roy’s brother Ron). Both brothers were outgoing. Ron felt very close to his younger brother, calling him regularly and visiting in earlier years. I know Ron will miss his brother, but I know he has many fond memories of him. Ron and his wife Nancy will share those memories in the upcoming days. I look forward to their sharing some of those memories with me.
Mary Anne Braithwaite