Donald W. Thomas Jr's Obituary
Lieutenant Colonel Donald W. Thomas, Jr, United States Army retired, age 81, of Palm Harbor, FL passed away Saturday, June 18, 2022 at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor, FL. He was born March 24, 1941 in Sewickley, PA to Donald W. Thomas, Sr. and Lila (Weston) Thomas. Don is survived by his son, Donald W. Thomas, III (Trey) and his wife, Stacey; daughters, Kelly Meek and her husband David, and Kristin Dill; brother, David Thomas, sister, Norma Buswell and her husband Fred and 7 grandchildren; Reagan and Riley Meek, Lauren Dill, Donald W Thomas IV “Liam”, Sydney, Laine, and Hill Thomas.
Don proudly served 23 plus years on active duty as an Infantry Officer in the United States Army. During his service, Don deployed to the Vietnam War, where he was highly decorated, including two Bronze Stars and Combat Infantryman Badge. He obtained Airborne and Ranger qualifications as well as his Master Parachute badge. Don graduated from the University of Tampa.
Upon retirement from the Army, Don entered the private sector helping develop technology for military simulation in the research area around the University of Central Florida. He was also instrumental in launching the Florida Artificial Intelligence Research Society (FLAIRS) in 1987. The society continues to advance A.I. and has expanded to international participation. Don eventually sought out his entrepreneurial spirit and launched Ameripro Electronics.
Don retired to Palm Harbor, Florida.
Service will be live streamed:
http://webcast.funeralvue.com/
Event ID: 75401
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