Michael A. Thomas

Michael A. Thomas, 81, born October 14, 1940 reached his final destination in the loving arms of his wife of 38 years, Sandra, and his son, Jeffry, on Saturday, April 9, 2022. The retired Frontier Airlines Captain had an on-time arrival of 7:37 pm. Mike, a lifelong flight enthusiast, graduated with honors as a Company Commander from the Missouri Military Academy, Mexico, Missouri in 1958. Mike attained his pilot’s license by age 16. He then earned a degree from the Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Oklahoma. By 1965, he was a Captain for Frontier Airlines until his medical retirement in 1980. Shortly after, Mike pursued teaching for Flight Safety International, where in 2016 he was awarded the highly esteemed Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in recognition of his contributions to building and maintaining the safest aviation system in the world through practicing and promoting safe aircraft flight operations for 50 years. Mike continued to love flying and all things flight even after his retirement in 2017. Mike and his son Jeff shared a love for World War II airplanes. Among Mike’s favorite gifts were the father/son flights that Jeff arranged for them on the Liberty Bell, B-17, and a ride on the world’s only airworthy B-24 named Witchcraft, as well as a P-51 Mustang named Spam Can. Mike and his co-pilot in life, Sandy, were family people. Mike spent his energy on mentoring all the young (and old) people around him. He was a devoted husband and father, brother and uncle. He was a natural athlete and great outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and hiking all over the United States, but especially in his favorite state of Colorado. He also had extraordinary woodworking skills. Mike is reunited with his father, Dr. Glenn A. Thomas, and his mother, Letha S. Thomas. He is survived by his wife, Sandra (Soderstrom) Thomas; his son, Michael Jeffry Thomas; brother, Stephen (Geralyn) Thomas, all of Wichita; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and godchildren. May he rest in peace in the wild blue yonder. Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Monday, April 18, 2022, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am, Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, followed by interment at Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with Duck Unlimited, 1 Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120; and Missouri Military Academy, 204 N. Grand St., Mexico, MO 65265.