Adolph Thomas, Sr.

Adolph Thomas was born December 8, 1940 in Seguin, Texas. He peacefully exchanged time here on earth for eternity in heaven on Sunday, September 24, 2017 at his ranch in Schulenburg. He graduated Edgewood High School in San Antonio, Texas and obtained a Bachelors degree from South West Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. Adolph was truly a trail blazer. He was the first African American State Trooper for Texas. At the National level, he was also one of the first African Americans to graduate from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, just outside of Washington, DC. Adolph was identified as a leader early on in his tenure for the Department of Public Safety and rose through the ranks, enjoying several promotions prior to his retirement after 27 years of public service. He served as a Narcotic investigator, was promoted to Sargent, and then rose to become Captain of the Narcotic Service. He was such an outstanding teacher that he was also selected as the Commander of the Training Academy. He retired as the Chief of Staff to the Director for the Texas Department of Public Safety. Upon his retirement, Adolph was asked to continue teaching, training, and mentoring new recruits, to the Department of Public Safety, serving as a consultant. He eventually formed his own company and provided training to police departments throughout the state on a wide variety of issues including constitutional law, police policies, case preparation for court, and racial profiling. He was a sought after expert witness for many cases. Adolph was also a, highly sought after, motivational speaker. In order to help others to understand the importance of having courage and being persistent, he often spoke of the many obstacles which he had to overcome in his journey to become a law enforcement officer. He was such an inspiring speaker. As he spoke, he gave practical tools and ideas to others on how to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams. He used his life story to change the lives of so many others. Adolph was the recipient of numerous professional and community awards and honors throughout his life. In retirement Adolph, and the love of his life, Shirley, moved to the country in Schulenburg. He kept a robust schedule in the role as consultant, Chief Thomas, travelling all over the state. He also settled in and enjoyed time on the ranch. He loved taking care of his cows, using his farm equipment, and he often went on exquisite deer hunting and fishing trips in South Texas. He was also an expert poker player, often hosting colleagues for the game. He was known for making delicious deer sausage for his friends and extended family and insisted on using only premium ingredients in his secret recipe. Adolph was a member of several law enforcement organizations and is the author of several publications on the Fourth Amendment. He was a community builder and a financial contributor to many charitable causes as well as each of the churches in the community. Many looked forward to his annual Super Bowl cook off at his Fat Hobo Ranch where he brought together all members of the community from across the nation for fellowship and fun. He was a Mason, a member of the Rotary club, Boys and Girls Club, and the Shriners. Adolph was known for bringing style, grace and elegance to most occasions and he was a smooth dresser. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Shirley; daughters, Crystal Simms and Dawn Charles; sons, Adolph Thomas, Jr. and Claude Jackson; 3 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; sisters, Martha Thomas, Jewerlean Brailey; brothers, Terry and Mack Thomas; with numerous other nieces, nephews, family and friends. Adolph was a man of God who never wavered in his faith or commitment to others. To God be the Glory!