Elder Millard Thomas, 85, youngest and last surviving of five sons of Hilrie Thomas and Cora Elder Thomas died Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at Calderwoods. Elder was born June 8, 1922 in Brownwood, Brown County, Texas, where he grew up and attended schools, graduating from Brownwood High School.
On July 10, 1941 in Brady, Texas, he married Doris Maxine Maxwell, who died June 18, 2007 in Beaumont. He lived in Beaumont since 1944 and was owner of Kilpatricks, Inc. in Beaumont Elder was a long-time member of Trinity United Methodist Church and El Mina Shrine Temple in Galveston.
When the 36th Division National Guard was mobilized into active duty November 25, 1940, Elder was in Co. A, 142nd Infantry. He served in North Africa and was wounded in action September 9, 1943, during the Allied invasion of Italy. He was blinded in his left eye and carried shrapnel in his body all his life. He was awarded the Purple Heart and is among those honored in Veterans’ Memorial Park near Port Arthur.
Survivors include his niece, Linda Thomas Maddux and husband John of Fort Worth; special friends, John Alden Wright and Bernie Hughes; as well as several other nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 31, 2008 at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. A gathering of family and friends will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of service Thursday at the mortuary.
Memorial contributions may be made to El Mina Shrine Temple, 1510 23rd Street, Galveston, Texas or Trinity United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 5247, Beaumont, Texas 77726..
