Wayne (Tot) Calton Thomas

Wayne Calton “Tot” Thomas

October 16, 1937 – November 29, 2020

Wayne Calton “Tot” Thomas of Arp, Texas was born October 16, 1937 in Carlisle, Texas to the late L.C. and Helen Gertrude Kirkley Thomas.  He died Sunday, November 29, 2020 at 7:00 pm in Tyler, Texas surrounded with his family by his side.

Tot married the love of his life, Juanita Parish, on January 26, 1957. 

He graduated from Gaston High School in Joinerville, Texas.  Tot spent many years working throughout the oilfields of East Texas, retiring from the East Texas Salt Water Disposal Company.  He and his family were members of Arp First Baptist Church where he served as Deacon, Church Treasurer, choir member and was active in and enjoyed the many programs of the Church with his wife Juanita.  Tot served in the Army Reserves, was a member of the Lions Club and also served on the Arp ISD School Board.  Tot was involved in his children’s school activities and proudly was a member of the Arp Tiger Football “Chain Gang” for many years.  He and his late brother-in-law, Robert Parish, spent many hours together on the Old Belle Guard, building props for the TJC Apache Belles.

His retirement years were spent with Juanita attending the functions and programs with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren and others.  Tot and Juanita enjoyed fishing and camping with family and friends and made many cherished memories traveling the country with the Salt Water Cruisers.

Tot was proceeded in death by his only sister, Johnnie Elizabeth Thomas; brother, James Harold “Toon” Thomas; son, Anthony Calton “Tony” Thomas; son-in-law, Jimmy Dark; brother-in-law, Robert Parish; sister-in-law, Delores Parish and sister-in-law, Anita Lane.

Tot is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Juanita; son, Johnny DeWayne and wife Lori Thomas, daughter, Rhonda Gail Thomas Dark and daughter-in-law, Bonnie Jean Nash Thomas.  He was the “Poppie” of 9 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

His 5 remaining brothers are Durwood “Tink” Thomas and wife Inez, Clarence “Tub” Thomas and wife Lela, Kenneth “Twister” Thomas and wife Marjanna, Beverly “Bot” Thomas and wife Sadie and John L. Thomas and wife Linda.  Sister-in-laws Gail Thomas, Brenda Parish, Ruth Parish Flynn and husband Alvin and Beth Parish Hunter and husband Bill.  An enormous amount of cousins, nephews, nieces and special friends who he considered family.

The family has requested donations to be sent to the Arp First Baptist Church, 304 W. Front Street, Arp, Texas 75750 instead of flowers.

Graveside services will be held at Mason Cemetery, Arp, Texas on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 1 p.m. under the direction of Cottle Funeral Home, Troup, Texas.  Pastors Mike Rice and Sam Jones will officiate the services.

Out of respect for the family, please wear masks and social distance.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cottle Funeral Home, Troup.

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