Mayor Lori Blong announced the passing of her predecessor, Carroll Thomas, this weekend, remembering him as "a faithful leader and friend." Thomas passed away on March 22.
"Mayor Thomas led by example and never sought the spotlight," said Blong, according to Facebook. "He was a kind, gracious and thoughtful leader. Midland is a better place because of him. I'm grateful for his example and his years of service to the people of Midland."
According to a March 24 Facebook post by Blong, Thomas led Midland from 1986 to 1992. "Mayor Thomas led by example and never sought the spotlight," she wrote. "He was a kind, gracious and thoughtful leader. Midland is a better place because of him."
Blong highlighted Thomas's accomplishments as mayor, such as implementing term limits for the city council, adding ambulance service to the Midland Fire Department (MFD), and overseeing major improvements to public safety and infrastructure. Additionally, Thomas assisted in the design of the Midland International Air & Space Port (MAF), the expansion of city hall, the acquisition of a new police building, and the addition of both a central and suburban fire station. "I'm grateful for his example and his years of service to the people of Midland," Blong said.
Thomas's obituary on the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Cemetery’s website mentioned that he was born in Houston on October 26, 1938, and was a graduate of Midland High School. Earning both bachelor's and master's degrees from Texas Tech University (TTU), he went on to craft a longtime career in geology. Thomas is survived by his spouse of 57 years, Georgia, and two children.