Posted:  January 22, 2007

“Mr. Ben was known for his work in the civil rights movement here in Plano and in the Dallas Metroplex.  Mr. Ben’s work in our community and his contributions to what makes Plano and the Douglass Community great, along with the beautiful Thomas family, will be his lasting legacy.”  T. J. Johnson

“Being the Neighborhood Police Officer that works the Douglass Community, I have seen many of the fruits of your labor come to pass in the lives of the residents in the Douglass Community.  Your legacy will live on to positively affect the lives of all that knew you.”  Jeff McCreary, NPO Unit/ Plano Police Department

“Mr. Ben Thomas was a guiding light and an inspiration to all of us.  We will proudly remember all that he has done for the people of Plano and the lives he has touched.”  May Li, Voice of Asian American Association    

From across our All-America City, tributes are pouring into the City of Plano memorial web page for Benjamin “Ben” Thomas, a gifted leader and community volunteer whose love of family was seconded only by his love of church and community.

His sudden death on January 17, 2007 caused shockwaves across Plano as persons came to grips with the loss of the man credited with spearheading efforts to restore and preserve the historic Douglass Community, the loss of the man who worked tirelessly for desegregation in schools and unity and respect for all ethnic cultures, the loss of the man who would spend his free time tending to the maintenance of his forefather’s cemetery, constructing the vision for a Plano African American Museum and visiting with young persons at the local Boys and Girls Club.  

“Ben Thomas was much more than just my friend.  He was my mentor, my hero.  The greatest tribute the City of Plano and the Eastside Community can pay him is to not let his vision cease to be.”  Herbert L. Walters

Born on November 26, 1922, Mr. Thomas’ roots go deep into the heart of Plano.  His father, James Lawrence Thomas, was an unselfish humanitarian.  After providing janitorial services for the bulk of Plano’s downtown businesses, Mr. Thomas opened the first laundry delivery service in the Plano and is recognized as Plano’s first African American fireman.  He and his wife, Willie Mae, provided clothing and food for not only their own large family, but also for the children of other Plano families, both African American and white.  He was beloved and respected by both the black and white communities and his memory is honored today through the J. L. Thomas Elementary School which bears his name.  

The strong family and humanitarian values Jim and Willie Mae passed on to Ben and his siblings were second nature to him his entire life.  A graduate of the Plano Colored High School, he later in life worked with the desegregation of Plano schools and ultimately helped to establish the Douglass Center, a gathering place for local youth, which now stands on the site of his former high school.  In 2001 the City named the Center’s adjacent new gymnasium “The Ben Thomas Gymnasium” recognizing his years of work with and for the youth of Plano.

“When Mr. Thomas came down to the Douglass Center he would always talk to us about things that were going on within the community.  Seeing a man that did not forget anything, giving us the history on the Douglass Center and the Douglass Community, and when he started to talk it was time to take a seat.”  Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County

 “All who knew Ben could see a man larger than the body which held him, with a mind deeper, broader and brighter than most of human kind.  I would like to have met the father and mother who developed this man, but I have been privileged to know him and several of his children, who carry his incredible spirit with them.”  Lisette Briley

After 21 years of service he retired in 1984 from Rockwell International, now Alcatel.  He turned his full time attention to the community, active on boards and commissions, committees, organizations and task forces until his death.  He was recognized as one of Plano Independent School District’s “One Hundred Heroes,” was the first recipient of the Plano YMCA “Strong Community Award”, received the “Meritorious Citizen Award” from the Plano Chamber of Commerce and was also honored by the State of Texas for his volunteer service.  

He was a tireless champion in promoting the unique flavor of the historic Douglass Community, protecting it as a valued residential resource in the City.  He was instrumental in helping the City of Plano organize and carry out neighborhood planning programs throughout the Douglass Community and supported efforts to rehabilitate and replace substandard housing not only in Douglass, but in other maturing neighborhoods.  

“Those of us fortunate to have worked with, laughed with, and been part of the life of Ben Thomas will miss him greatly.  Those who never had the opportunity to know him will benefit from the continuing success of the Douglass Community and the City of Plano through his legacy of service.”  Mayor Pat Evans

Mr. Thomas was married to his beloved wife, Frances, for 64 years.  She survives him along with son, Mitchell, daughters, Toni, Dollie and Areail, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  A wake will be held 6:00-8:00pm, Tuesday, January 23, 2007 Shiloh Missionary Church, with a memorial service held 11:00am, Wednesday, January 24, 2007 also at Shiloh Missionary Church, 920 East 14th Street.

“When my predecessor toured me through Douglass in May 2004 one could sense that there was a fabric and an identity about the neighborhood.  The roots are deep and many of its sons and daughters have become notable leaders both inside and outside of Plano.  Ben Thomas has given Plano a tremendous legacy.”  Dick Taylor, Habitat for Humanity

“Deacon Ben Thomas fought a good fight, kept the faith, finished his course and now he rests from his labor.  We are especially blessed with the favor of his unswerving model of servant-leadership.  This was particularly demonstrated in his lifelong commitment to quality of life issues within the City of Plano.  May all who knew and loved him be inspired by his legacy.”  Dr. Michael G. Ford, Cedar Hill, TX

For related article, “Plano Establishes Memorial Web Page for Civic Leader Ben Thomas; Tributes May be Posted,”  click here.

To view the Ben Thomas memorial site, click here.