09/09/2026
Harold Glenn Thomas passed away on September 5, 2026, at the age of 94, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of family, service, education, athletics and community. Throughout his life, Harold touched countless lives as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, decorated athlete, coach, educator and veteran. His passion for basketball and dedication to the young people he coached and taught made a lasting impact on generations in the Coffeyville community. Harold will be deeply missed by his family, friends, former students and athletes, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Harold was born August 29, 1932, in Coffeyville, Kansas, to Orville Andrew Thomas and Bertha George Thomas. He spent much of his life in Coffeyville, a community he proudly called home.
A gifted athlete from an early age, Harold graduated from Field Kindley High School in Coffeyville in 1950. During his high school basketball career, he was a three-year letterman, two-year starter and the team’s leading scorer his senior year. He earned All-SEK honors and served as co-captain in 1950.
Harold continued his basketball career at Coffeyville Community College, where he was a two-year starter and the team’s leading scorer during his sophomore season. His accomplishments earned him All-State and All-Kansas honors, and he served as co-captain in 1952.
His talent on the court took him even further. Harold competed against the Phillips 66 Oilers, the 1950 National Industrial Basketball League champions; the McPherson Globe Refiners All-Stars; the Marques Haynes All-Stars and Harlem Magicians; and Kansas City’s Chapel Touring All-Star Basketball Team. Basketball remained an important part of Harold’s life long after his playing days ended.
Harold’s commitment to service extended well beyond athletics. He served his country in the United States Army Artillery, attaining the rank of Captain.
Education became one of the defining callings of Harold’s life. After graduating from Coffeyville Community College in 1952, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in education from Pittsburg State University in 1955. He later earned a Master’s degree from Pittsburg State in 1965 and an Education Specialist degree in educational administration in 1983.
Harold dedicated 36 years to USD 445 as a coach, educator and school administrator before retiring in 1994. Throughout his career, he coached 25 All-SEK athletes, seven All-State athletes and one High School All-American. More important than the accolades, however, were the generations of students and athletes he taught, encouraged and influenced along the way.
His contributions to athletics and his community were recognized with his induction into the Field Kindley High School Hall of Fame. He was also involved with various educational and coaching associations, the Coffeyville Country Club and First Presbyterian Church. Away from work and basketball, Harold enjoyed golf, spending time with friends and family, and his involvement with the Interstate Classic, which was named in his honor. He was proud of his service as a veteran and remained deeply connected to the Coffeyville community throughout his life.
On August 30, 1953, Harold married Jackie McNabney at First Presbyterian Church in Coffeyville. Together, Harold and Jackie built a life centered around family and shared more than seven decades of marriage.
Harold is survived by his four children, Dr. David Thomas and his wife, Sandy, of Lincoln, Nebraska; Debbie Baker of Derby, Kansas; Susan Lomshek and her husband, Matt, of Lawrence, Kansas; and Sarah Holbrooks of Lenexa, Kansas. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Mackenzie (Lomshek) Francisco and her husband, Corbin; Katie (Lomshek) Stroschein and her husband, Austin; Hunter Lomshek; Jake Holbrooks; Hannah Holbrooks; Ella Holbrooks; and Markley (Brock) Hyatt and her husband, Troy; as well as his four great-grandchildren, Oaklyn and River Hyatt, and Taytum and Cooper Francisco.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jackie Thomas, his parents, Orville and Bertha Thomas; his brother, Dr. Larry Thomas; his sister, Rosalie Pennington and his son-in-law, Howard Holbrooks.
Harold’s life was one of achievement, but his legacy reaches far beyond awards, statistics and titles. He was a teacher and coach who believed in young people, a veteran who served his country, an athlete whose love of the game lasted a lifetime, and, above all, a devoted husband and family man. The lessons he taught, the relationships he built and the lives he influenced will continue to carry his memory forward for generations.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Monday, September 14, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Coffeyville, Kansas. A funeral service celebrating Harold’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 15, at 10:00 a.m., also at First Presbyterian Church. A private burial for immediate family will follow the service. Following the burial, the family warmly invites friends and loved ones to gather at the Coffeyville Country Club at 12:00 p.m. for refreshments, fellowship, and a time to share memories and celebrate Harold’s life together.
Memorial contributions may be made in Harold’s memory to First Presbyterian Church in Coffeyville, Kansas; contributions may be left with mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.
To leave a message for the family please visit www.dwbfh.com.
