Albert L. Thomas, Jr.

Albert L. Thomas, Jr. was born on August 19, 1935. He liked to say that there were two kinds of people in the world: Leos – and people who want to be Leos. The Leo personality is most commonly known for exhibiting four key strengths: generosity and big-heartedness, self-confidence, determination, and natural leadership. Al was most definitely a Leo!

The photo above was taken on his 85th birthday; and yes, that is his natural hair color! Anyone who knows Al personally knows that he was very smart and quick witted, a voracious reader, a great putter, an outstanding friend, and a rockstar partier! He was extremely disciplined – he loved saying that much of life was ‘mind over matter.’ If you knew him professionally, you’re aware that he was known for his principled business dealings. He was a talented barbeque chef - of course, he always took so long to complete his masterpieces that we might have just been starving! His fatal flaw was his deplorable taste in television programs. His family suffered through countless old westerns and war movies!

Al was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri surrounded by his parents, grandparents, and maiden aunts. To say he was a little spoiled might be an understatement. He had a tight-knit group of friends with whom he attended Our Lady of Good Counsel Elementary School and Rockhurst Jesuit High School. It was at a high school party that he met Shirley Ann Gallagher – the love of his life – when she smacked him in the mouth. (Shirley liked to talk with her hands.) He had just that day had dental work to repair a football injury. Apparently, he saw hearts instead of stars!

After an overseas stint with the army in Europe, Al returned home to get his degree in business at the University of Kansas City. He and Shirley married and spent the next 43 years on their excellent adventure. His career flourished. They moved all around the Midwest and, of course, made loads of good friends wherever they settled for a while.

Their three children were born in three different cities and instantly became the supervisEEs to Al’s supervisOR. He often traveled for work, but made sure that he had time to coach little league and attend any events or performances that his kids were in. He and Shirley loved to socialize with friends and play bridge and golf.

After many household and career moves, Al and Shirley settled down in West Chester with plans to eventually retire here. Unfortunately, not long after Al retired, Shirley passed away from cancer. Their many friends rallied around Al and helped him regroup. Some years later, Al married Jacqui. She and her first husband Tony had been close friends to Al and Shirley. Al and Jacqui had elevenfun-filled years together. They loved meeting friends for dinner and taking cruises.

Al passed away at home on April 7, 2021 after an extended illness. He will be forever remembered by children Michael Thomas (Tami) of Lima, Nancy Thomas of West Chester, and Karen Knapp (Michael) of Virginia Beach; grandchildren Justin Thomas (Chelsey) of Liberty Township, Josh Thomas (Taylor Ruby) of Dublin, and Katherine Knapp of Virginia Beach; second wife Jacqueline Quinn Thomas (nee Ward) of West Chester; and the many, many people who were proud to count him as a friend. Al was preceded in death by his first wife Shirley (nee Gallagher), his parents; Albert Sr. and Gladys (nee Ready) Thomas; and his sister Patricia Thomas.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 10:30 am on Saturday, April 17, at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 9080 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd, West Chester OH. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 am. Masks and social distancing will be expected. In lieu of flowers, the family would be delighted for you to make donations to First Tee of Greater Cincinnati, with the hope that more children will have the opportunity to develop a passion for the game that gave Al so much joy!

If you cannot be present to help send off our dad, we hope that you will raise a glass with your beverage of choice in his memory.  We know he will be returning the favor with one of his cherished CC Manhattans on the rocks with a little more sweet vermouth than you normally put in!  To Al!!!