Roll Call Tribute

Ted LaRue Thomas
November 19, 1935 – December 28, 2020

The family of Ted LaRue Thomas of Friendswood is saddened to announce his passing on December 28, 2020 at the age of 85.

Ted was born in the small town of Seagraves, Texas. He graduated from Seagraves High School in 1953. Not sure what to do after high school, Ted attended Odessa Jr. College where he came across a professor who sealed his desire to become a teacher because his love for his profession and his students came through loud and clear. Ted never looked back. He went on to the University of Texas and Texas A&M University. He received a BS in Education from UT in 1959, and a M.Ed from Texas A&M in 1965.

Ted had quite a varied career, but the majority of his professional life was spent as a public school administrator. He went to Friendswood Independent School District in 1967 as Principal of Friendswood High School and served as Superintendent of Friendswood ISD from 1977 until he retired 15 years later.

Friendswood is where Ted and his late wife, Jo, raised their three children, Michelle, Dannielle, and Teddy. Sadly, the love of Ted's life, Jo, passed away in August 2020. They were married for 59 beautiful years. Ted was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a man of integrity that never met a stranger.

Ted, most of all, was proud of his family, but he also took pride in his part of creating one of the premier school districts in Texas, Friendswood Independent School District. When he came to Friendswood, the school district was struggling both academically and financially. With the help of many teachers, students, and parents together they built a district that has been classified as exemplary many times by the Texas Education Agency. He was a loyal Mustang Football fan, attending every home game that he could. When his health prevented him from attending the games in person, he started streaming the games on his computer. He told his family that he was determined to see the games one way or another. Ted dedicated himself to touching the lives of so many in education.

After retiring, he lived life to the fullest. Ted and Jo travelled every year in their RV to Ruidoso, New Mexico to escape the Texas heat. He loved life and had a particular fondness for the chicken fried steak at Perry's Steakhouse Restaurant.

Ted is survived by his two daughters, Michelle (Alan) McNaughton, Dannielle Thomas, and his son, Teddy (Karen) Thomas II; two grandchildren, Alissa (Dustin) Stacey and Gracen Thomas; and two great-grandchildren, Abby Broussard and Amy Stacey, as well as several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister, Patti Thomas.

He was also preceded in death by his father, Rheuben Thomas and his mother, Vivian Elliston.

A private family service will take place later this year.

Memorial donations may be made to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center or The American Heart Association.

He will truly be missed by all. Rest in peace, Ted Thomas, you are now reunited with your love Jovita.

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