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Bert H. Thomas, Major, United States Air Force (Retired), of San Antonio, Texas, joined his beloved wife in Heaven on Saturday, December 27, 2025. Bert was born on August 3, 1936, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Leona Hill Thomas and Harold Bert Thomas, sharing the same birthday as his father. He had an older sister, Phyllis Funk, and a cousin, Karol Larsen, with whom he shared a lifelong bond and whom he considered more like a sister. Bert graduated from Drake University with a major in Education and a minor in Physical Education. While there, he was a proud member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. He later met the love of his life, Caroline Baker Thomas. They were married on August 30, 1958, and shared 67 years of marriage until Caroline’s passing in August of 2025. Together, they raised three children: Thomas Michael Thomas, Patricia Katherine Dickens, and CherylLee Ann Reyes. Bert and Caroline built a life rooted in love, faith, and partnership. Their bond was unbreakable, and after Caroline’s passing, Bert deeply missed her and longed to be reunited. Bert later earned his master’s degree in business administration from Webster University through the military, continuing his lifelong commitment to education, leadership, and service. Bert proudly served 22 years in the United States Air Force, including service during the Vietnam War. He retired with the rank of Major and was awarded the Bronze Star for his distinguished service. His military career was defined by integrity, discipline, and a deep sense of duty. Following his retirement, Bert began a second career as a mortgage loan officer, where he worked for more than 20 years and earned the trust and respect of colleagues and clients alike. Bert enjoyed playing golf and remained actively involved in his community. He also enjoyed coaching and refereeing soccer. Bert served on the Park Commission for Leon Valley, Texas, where he played a key role in the planning and development of a handicap accessible park designed to be enjoyed by children and adults of all abilities. This was one of the many ways he quietly gave back to others. Bert will be remembered for his quiet strength, steady leadership, deep sense of responsibility, and the profound love he had for his family. Family was the center of Bert’s life. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and found his greatest joy in time spent with those he loved. He is now reunited with his beloved Caroline, the woman he loved for more than 67 years, and together their legacy of love lives on through their family. Bert was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Bert Thomas and Leona Hill Thomas; his sister, Phyllis Funk; her husband, George Funk; and his beloved wife, Caroline Baker Thomas. Bert is survived by his children and their spouses, Tom (Jody) Thomas, Patty (Alicia) Dickens, and Cheryl (Roger) Reyes; his grandchildren and their spouses, Chris (Trisha), Justin (Karen), Austin (fiancée Vanessa), Brandy (Christian), and Steven (Chelsey); and his great-grandchildren, Cooper, Maple, Cape, Theodore, Juniper, Sunny, Hanna, and Parker. He is also survived by his loving cousin, Karol Larsen; many cousins, nieces, and nephews; and his faithful dog, Jack. Visitation: Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 9 to 9:30 a.m. Mission Park Funeral Chapels Cherry Ridge, San Antonio, TX Funeral Service: Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 9:30 a.m. Mission Park Funeral Chapels, San Antonio, TX

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Bert Harold Thomas

August 3, 1936 - December 27, 2025