George L. Thomas

Dec. 29, 1924 - Dec. 1, 2012

ELKHART - George L. Thomas, 87, of Elkhart, died Saturday morning, Dec. 1, 2012, of natural causes at Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family.

The Michigan City native was born Dec. 29, 1924, to Victoria (Borane) Balady and George Thomas in Beirut, Lebanon. When Thomas's father died in 1924, Victoria later married Morris "Mose" Balady.

Thomas attended Michigan City Elston High School, where he was a standout athlete and was later inducted to the high school's Hall of Fame for his achievements. He left to serve in World War II prior to graduation. Thomas served as a B-17 bombardier with the 8th Air Corps and became a 2nd lieutenant in the 306th Bombardier Group from 1943 to 1946. When his plane was shot down, he bailed out and thus became a member of the Caterpillar Club.

Thomas was a PGA golf professional for 47 years, including 28 years at the Elcona Country Club. In 1994, Thomas was inducted as a PGA Master Professional.

In 1988, George was named head golf coach at the University of Notre Dame and remained so for 13 seasons. While at Notre Dame, George coached the university to three Midwestern Collegiate Conference championships and three Big East titles while earning conference coach-of-the-year honors in three separate seasons.

Thomas was named Indiana PGA Player of the Year three times and served as the president of the Indiana PGA for two years. He also has won a record seven Indiana Seniors titles.

Thomas was selected by the Indiana Professional Golfers Association as section teacher of the year in 1990. He was named Midwestern Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year and Big East Coach of the Year. A three-time U.S. Section Seniors champion, Thomas qualified for several PGA Championships and two U.S. Opens. Thomas received honorary membership into the Notre Dame National Monogram.

Thomas's favorite title was one of loving father and grandfather. He loved to teach and golf with his grandchildren and even established a golf tournament just for them.

George is survived by his wife, Barbara A. (Smith) Thomas; children George Thomas, Scott (Ann Marie) Thomas, David (Theresa) Thomas, Joe (Cindy) Thomas and Theresa (Ken) Fry; and grandchildren George, Peter, Beatrice, Madeleine and Samuel Thomas, Catherine, Elizabeth, Andrew, Lucy and Jack Thomas, David, Michael, Caroline, Matthew, Melissa, Rachel, Grace, Theresa and Angela Thomas, Morgan, Joseph, Hannah and Luke Thomas, Victoria Pekarek, Cecilia Pekarek, Kate Fry and Sarah Fry.

Visitation for George will be from 3 to 6 p.m. today, Dec. 3, 2012, at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, Elkhart. A private family ceremony will be at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Burial will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to The Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation to find a cure for Niemann-Pick Type C: www.parseghian.org. Online condolences may be sent at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com.


Memories and Condolences

Camille "Candi" Alick, Sioux Falls, SD

I have great memories of George and as my sister said always smiling. I loved him so much and called him "Uncle" George as all the Lebanese people referred to each other as cousins, Aunts or Uncles. He was one of my Uncle Charles Kallil's best friends and they all ran together as a loving and supportive group. My sister worked a couple of summers at Central Drug and I remember walking there and seeing him behind the Pharmacy greeting everyone with his amazing SMILE! May God bless him and all his loving family! Love Candi Sam Alick

Tom Kaylor, White pigeon, MI

I was saddened to hear George has left us. I feel my few times with him were special. My thoughts and prayers at this time are with the Thomas family.

Jeannine Alick, Naples, FL

Nafe and I are sorry to hear of your loss. I remember George having so many happy fun times with all his friends in Michigan City. May God comfort all of you and May all your memories make you smile, as that's how we remember George...Always smiling!

Pam and Bob Shultz, Elkhart, IN

While we could not get to the visitation, we wanted you to know we are thinking of all of you. George was a great teacher who was responsible for so many others enjoying the game he so loved and advocated.

Theresa Piechowiak, Elkhart, IN

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Thomas family. I always enjoyed talking to George when he came to the Crowe Horwath office. Since my grandmother was born in Beirut and my dad was born in Michigan City, we would discuss the common things in our heritage, especially the food. He was a real gentleman and will be missed by many. My sympathy to all of you.

Mike Auger, Elkhart, IN

Condolances to the Thomas Family. It is a sad day for the Elkhart Community in losing George. His greatest legacy are his wonderful children and grand children! Heaven's golf group just got much better!

Vince Turner, Gosehn, IN

Never a better friend. I could try forever and repay what George Thomas did for me and my family.

David Rutter, Hudsonville, MI

My condolences to the entire family, I have many found memories of George and the family from my days as a kid running around Elcona driving George nuts.. Today heaven is an even better place. Thoughts prayers to all of you

Carl & Sharon (sarge) Harrison, Yuma, AZ

To the family of George Thomas I'm deeply sorry for your loss of George. He was proud of all his family. To have known him was a blessing in my life.

Mikel Ropp, Elkhart, IN

Oh, my. I must apologize. I simply CANNOT forget that I was also blessed to teach - and coach - Theresa ... a WONDERFUL young lady!

Mikel Ropp, Elkhart, IN

I was blessed to teach the boys at Brookdale Junior High. What a wonderful family, and that is a testament to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas. Mr. Thomas was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed.

Anna Kuhmichel, Elkhart, IN

Mr. Thomas was a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with Barb and the family. R.I.P.

Anna Kuhmichel, Elkhart, IN

Mr. Thomas was a wonderful man. My thoughts and Prayers are with Barb and the family.

Jon & Sherry Housand, Elkhart, IN

Our condolences to the entire Thomas family. George was a class act. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Anita Fishman , South Bend, IN

My sympathy to the entire Thomas family. Being from Michigan City, and growing up with George and his buddies, gives me great memories. My maiden name is Linn...and the Hardware store where my father Dave worked...was right across from the barber shop...George Baladys. Handsome George Thomas and his buddies...especially Larry Tanber..got me interested in golf. Going to the M&M was a great hangout. I worked there for many years. Anyway, enough about me...so sorry for your loss. Anita Fishman & Stu Fishman

David Gruber, Elkhart, IN

A sad day. My condolences to the entire Thomas family. Mr. Thomas was always the nicest, kindest man, neighbor and golf teacher a guy could have. He will be greatly missed

Judy Slabaugh, Elkhart, IN

Sorry to hear about George. I remember him stopping at the Gas Station at Six Span for his coffee on the way to Elcona. He would say Thank God for those nuts that are making a living for me. Always seemed to have a good attitude in life.

Kirk Ross, St. Louis, MO

My sincerest condolences to Mrs. Thomas and the entire family. Mr. Thomas, other than my parents, was the greatest influence in my life. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about the days working for him and Joey at Elcona and the incredible impact it had on me as a person. It was an honor to know him and the entire Thomas family and I can never thank him enough for all the things he did for me.

Philip Sarvari, Mishawaka, IN

Our prayers are with the entire Thomas Family. Mr. Thomas was a great man who always made others feel as if they were the most important. God Bless the entire Family. He will be truly missed.

Robin Wilson / Lundgren, Union, MI

Sorry to here about your loss my condolences and prayers are with the family.

Bob Dabagia, Michigan City, IN

Condolences to Barbara and the entire Thomas family. George was a great friend and an important influence in the lives of his many friends. I will always remember his kindness to me and will never forget his sense of humor, his generosity and his loyalty to those like me who loved him.

Dan Moore, Jacksonville, FL

My sincere condolences to the Thomas family. George was a great guy and a positive impact to everyone that new him