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Thomas was liberated in August 1945 by a task force sent by [[Admiral]] [[William F.  Halsey]]. He witnessed the signing of the Japanese surrender from his hospital ship on September 2, 1945. Thomas was awarded the Air Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster, a Unit Citation, the [[Purple Heart]], the P.O.W. Medal, and the [[Distinguished Flying Cross]].<ref name=Thomas/>

Thomas was liberated in August 1945 by a task force sent by [[Admiral]] [[William F.  Halsey]]. He witnessed the signing of the Japanese surrender from his hospital ship on September 2, 1945. Thomas was awarded the Air Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster, a Unit Citation, the [[Purple Heart]], the P.O.W. Medal, and the [[Distinguished Flying Cross]].<ref name=Thomas/>

After the war, Thomas and his late brother, Hughes Thomas, opened Thomas Brothers Office Outfitters in Lubbock and operated that business until it was sold in 1991. Thomas served on the Texas Good Roads/Transportation Association for many years and was elected its president from 198-1984. The association, which has related groups in other states, is the lobbying organization of highway contractors doing business through the Texas Highway Department. Thomas also served on the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce and chaired that group’s Highways, Streets and Roads Committee. He was affiliated with Phi Kappi Psi fraternity, Rotary International, and the First [[United Methodist]] Church in downtown Lubbock.<ref name=Thomas/>

After the war, Thomas and his late brother, Hughes Thomas, opened Thomas Brothers Office Outfitters in Lubbock and operated that business until it was sold in 1991. Thomas served on the Texas Good Roads/Transportation Association for many years and was elected its president from 1983-1984. The association, which has related groups in other states, is the lobbying organization of highway contractors doing business through the Texas Highway Department. Thomas also served on the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce and chaired that group’s Highways, Streets and Roads Committee. He was affiliated with Phi Kappi Psi fraternity, [[Rotary International]], and the First [[United Methodist]] Church in downtown Lubbock.<ref name=Thomas/>

Thomas was married to the former Melba Watson (1913-1994). Survivors included his stepson, Dr. Ray  Moore of [[Little Rock]], [[Arkansas]], and two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Kay Fulton of Lubbock and Mrs. Joyce Woods of Shamrock in Wheeler County, Texas. Services were held at First United Methodist Church. Interment with military honors was at Resthaven Memorial Park in Lubbock.<ref name=Thomas/>

Thomas was married to the former Melba Watson (1913-1994). Survivors included his stepson, Dr. Ray  Moore of [[Little Rock]], [[Arkansas]], and two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Kay Fulton of Lubbock and Mrs. Joyce Woods of Shamrock in Wheeler County, Texas. Services were held at First United Methodist Church. Interment with military honors was at Resthaven Memorial Park in Lubbock.<ref name=Thomas/>