Neal Thomas, Jr. Obituary

Neal Thomas Jr. shed himself of his earthly and sickly shell of a body and departed this world for one of life everlasting on 28 September, never again to suffer disease or sickness. He left this world as he lived it; on his own terms. Many people leave their mark by how they lived. Neal's legacy will not merely reflect how he lived, it will also be in the way he died. He did both with the utmost dignity and always putting the needs of others before himself.

Neal was born on 2 April 1932 in Colquitt, GA and moved to Fort Pierce, FL at the age of 7. He served with distinction in the US Air Force in Theater during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He retired as a MSGT after more than 26 years of Service to our Nation during a time when it wasn't popular to be on active duty. This didn't matter to him. It wasn't to win a popularity contest that guided Neal to serve, it was to ensure the safety and a way of life for our country and to help protect those less fortunate. After Service, Neal worked for 22 years with the Colorado Department of Labor as a Veteran's Employment Representative and supervisor.

Neal got out of bed every day with the goal to make at least one Veteran's life better. At the end of most days he would lie down not even realizing he had positively impacted lives of many Veterans. Neal's more than 35 continuous years of service to The American Legion and the Veteran population are too many to recount. His American Legion roles included all Post positions, including Commander; he served as Commander of the Department of Colorado from 1988-1989; Alternate National Executive Committeeman, and on countless Boards at the Post, Department and National levels. He was also a life member of the DAV, VFW, and TREA, as well as several other civic and professional organizations.

Neal helped start the Transition Assistance Program in the State of Colorado for Service members separating and/or retiring. He was honored for raising millions of dollars to help improve educational programs for the University of Colorado, Denver. He was a certified mediator and counseled many young active duty and Veteran personnel on everything from finances to marriage issues. He responded to all requests for assistance from Veterans, sometimes even reaching into his own pocket to lend temporary help.

There are generations of family; kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids that will keep Neal's memory alive for many years; his wife Lynn, children Brenda Wash (Curtis), Douglas, and grandchildren Lajuan, Cheryell, Michael, William, Stacy, Tailey, and Dougo. He was surrounded by his loved ones as he passed through the portal to eternal life. There are even more Legion family members and Veterans who will keep Neal's memory alive. There are Veterans today and for years to come benefitting from his work with the VA and his contributions as a Legionnaire. They may not know it was Neal who was instrumental in getting some of these benefits, but he wouldn't care. He is the reigning Department of Colorado Legionnaire of the Year; a prestigious recognition celebrating accomplishments honed by a lifetime of service to Veterans and our youth. He was a mentor to many and friend to all.

Most importantly, for those of us such as yourself who know Christ as their Savior, it's not over; it is merely the beginning. Neal moved from temporary life to life everlasting. We'll see him again.

In keeping with Neal's request, there will not be a funeral, but there will be a Memorial Service and Celebration of Neal's life at The American Legion, Centennial Post 209 at 3613 Jeannine Dr. on Sunday, 5 October at 2:00pm.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers please make a donation in Neal's memory to The American Legion, Centennial Post 209 at www.americanlegioncoloradosprings.org or PO Box 25334, CoS, CO 80936-5334.