David Arthur Thomas, a beloved educator, coach, veteran, and mentor, passed away peacefully at his home in San Antonio, TX. He was 78 years old.
Born on February 24, 1946, in Centerville, Iowa, David was the son of Arthur and Margaret Thomas of Corydon, Iowa. He grew up in a loving family alongside his younger brother, Steve, and older sister, Adrienne.
Dave was a proud graduate of Corydon High School, class of 1964. He pursued higher education at Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, Missouri, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1968. While completing his studies, Dave began his lifelong career in education with student teaching at Mexico High School, where he would ultimately devote more than three decades of service to students and the community.
In 1968, Dave began teaching World Geography at Mexico High School. Shortly thereafter, in the summer of 1969, he was drafted into the United States Army through the Wayne County draft board and inducted at Fort Des Moines, Iowa. He completed Basic Training and Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, before being deployed to Vietnam. There, he served with honor as part of the 2/47th Mechanized Infantry Battalion in the 9th Infantry Division, stationed in Tan An. After serving 11 months, Dave was honorably discharged and returned home to resume his career in education.
Dave dedicated 35 years to teaching American History and coaching at Mexico High School, where he became a much-loved figure. He coached girls' basketball and both boys’ and girls' tennis—22 years with the boys' team and 25 years with the girls'. His positive influence extended far beyond the classroom and playing fields, shaping the lives of countless students and athletes.
A devoted family man, Dave was the proud father of Brad Thomas, who resides in Nixa, Missouri, with his wife, Sadonya, and Dave’s cherished grandson, Turner. In 1983, Dave married the love of his life, Renae P. Best, an elementary school teacher in the Mexico Public School System. Their son, Aaron David, was born on May 22, 1985. Aaron and his wife Cristina live in San Antonio, Texas, with Dave and Renae’s granddaughters, Isabella and Samantha.
Outside of his professional life, Dave enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing tennis. He was a lifelong sports enthusiast and a passionate fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, Iowa Hawkeyes, and the Chicago Cubs.
David Thomas's life was marked by service, dedication, and love—for his country, his students, his athletes, and most of all, his family. He leaves behind a legacy that will be felt for generations through the many lives he touched.
He is survived by his sons, Brad and Aaron; his daughters-in-law, Sadonya and Cristina; his grandchildren, Turner, Isabella, and Samantha; his siblings, Steve Thomas and a host of friends, former students, and colleagues.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
