CONNECTION TO BUTLER COUNTY

In 1938, Jack was in the first class to graduate form the new high school building in the 500 block of West Central.  He attended what was then known as El Dorado Junior College in the same building, graduating in 1941.

Growing up in El Dorado, Jack’s small stature prevented him from excelling in athletics, but at the controls of a modern fighter plane, he became a titan.  According to classmate Renden “Blue” Eastham, he was well liked, not a big kid but gutsy.  “No one pushed him around. He was a cocky little guy.”  According to his brother, Edgar, Jack had always wanted to be a pilot.  As a boy, he had collected model planes.  The airfield to the south of town was a popular hangout for Jack and his friends.

In those days prior to America’s entering World War II, the local college was one of many across the nation to take part in the Civilian Pilot Training program under the Civil Aeronautics Administration.  This program, paid for by the government, was aimed primarily at building up a reserve of private flyers, to become potential military pilots.  Private flight contractors, in Jack’s case local flight instructor Erman White, conducted classes.  Jack received his pilot’s license in May of 1941.

When Jack was born, his father, Edgar Thomas, Sr., worked as a driller in the El Dorado oil fields.  Later, he operated the Thomas Service Station located at 201 West First Avenue, with the help of Edgar, Jr.


LEAVING THE AREA

Before World War II, Jack spent his life in El Dorado.  He left following graduation from the junior college to enlist in the Navy, before America’s entering the war.  His brother, Edgar, also entered the service, joining the Army. Like Jack, he served in the south pacific.

In late December of 1943, Jack’s squadron returned to the US for reorganization and training.  This enabled Jack to visit El Dorado while on leave.  A grand community homecoming celebration was held in his honor.  Local service organizations participated and the governor of the state presented Jack with a Gallant Chronograph Aviation watch as a gift from his hometown.

Following the end of the war, Thomas planned to remain in Marine Aviation, continuing to do what he loved.  While stationed in California, he paid several visits to El Dorado.