Billie Louise Thomas

Funeral service for Billie L. Thomas will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 26, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church of Claremore. Pastor Tom Launius will officiate. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery under the direction of the MMS-Payne Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Wed. 1-8 p.m., and family will greet friends 6-8 p.m.

Billie Louise Thomas passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at the age of 87.

The daughter of Bitsy and Thelma Cornelison was born August 17, 1927 in Claremore, Oklahoma. Billie spent her childhood in Claremore where she graduated salutatorian from the Claremore High School class of 1945. She married her high school sweetheart, Standlee Thomas, on November 3, 1947. They resided in Norman, Oklahoma where she attended college at the University of Oklahoma while Standlee served in the Navy. After Standlee’s discharge from the Navy, Billie began working so he could earn his bachelor’s degree. After obtaining his degree, they returned to Claremore where they made their home and started a family.

They had two sons, Bob and Rick. In addition to being a homemaker Billie worked as assistant to the principal at Westside Elementary. She also served as a den mother while her sons were in Scouts. Billie managed the accounting after she and her husband opened BESCO Electric. She also handled the accounting at the Claremore Tag Agency from where she retired in the late 1990's.

Billie was very active in her community. She was a member of PEO and the Tuesday Study Club. She served on the board of the Will Rogers Library and the Rogers County Work Training Center. She attended church at the First Presbyterian Church of Claremore where she was ordained as Ruling Elder in January of 2003. Billie was a gifted musician. She played the piano and organ for many churches in the area. She assisted Standlee and other community members in the formation of the Claremore Civic Band.

Billie is preceded in death by her parents, Bitsy and Thelma, and husband Standlee.

She is survived by her sons, Bob Thomas and wife Terri of Owasso, and Richard Thomas of Claremore; grandson, Rob Thomas and wife Monique of Owasso; and great-grandchildren, Avery and Benjamin.

Loved dearly by family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to the First Presbyterian Church, 102 E. 4th St., Claremore, OK 74017, or Will Rogers Library, 1515 N. Florence Ave., Claremore, OK 74017.