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Leslie Robert Thomas, age 67, lifelong Albuquerque resident, scored the winning point in his tennis match, and was then called off the court by the Lord. Born on January 3, 1935 to the late Leslie Robert and Marianita (Romero) Thomas. He is survived by his wife, Mary C. Thomas of Albuquerque; two daughters, Leslie C. and husband, Bill Miller of Albuquerque, Clair and husband, Sam Bradley of Liberal, Kansas; two son, James G. and wife, Jean C. Thomas of San Diego, California; and Matt L. Walker of Albuquerque; four grandchildren, Bond D. Peterson, Preston S. Miller, Bryn R. Miller, and James A. Miller and Rita Loy Simmons the mother of Jim, Leslie, and Clair. He grew up in the North Valley becoming an accomplished equestrian winning numerous awards at local rodeos and the state fair. Little did he know that his horse was a better equestrian than he. He attended St Mary's Elementary and High School where he cut a dashing figure as a man and a vital football player for the Cougars. After graduating in 1952 from St Mary's, he attended the University of Notre Dame for a semester as a red shirt. He figured if he was going to wear a red shirt he might as well return home to the University of New Mexico where he continued to hone his skills as a running back for the Lobos. He also worked part time at Stromberg's Men's Store where he learned how to dress himself and others. In 1954, he decided that he needed to serve his country so he volunteered and joined the Marines where he served for a little over two years as a radio operator. After his discharge, he returned to his love of college football at the University of New Mexico where he continued to excel as a running back. After his graduation from UNM in 1960, he worked at Vic Rolla Motors, Bekins, Vic Tannys and various other jobs until he found his calling as a life and health insurance agent. This year marked his 40th anniversary in the business and he had spent the last four years working with the Albuquerque Police Officers in helping to set up their survivor benefits. He loved working with young people and spent six years as a coach in the Young America Football League where he coached the Raiders in the middleweight division. The last two years of his coaching he suffered a debilitating disease that finally forced him to quit coaching. He overcame the disease and rehabilitated himself by becoming an accomplished tennis player. In addition to being an avid tennis player, he had built up an extensive collection of military miniatures. Extremely patriotic, for the last 19 years he cared for the flag that flies over the Bataan Memorial Park and was recognized for his service at the recent re-dedication of the park and the memorial. He was truly successful in life in the ways in which he positively influenced many young men, served those who serve us each day to protect us from harm and as a wonderful, supportive and loving husband and father. His life is best remembered as a twinkle in the eye, a smile on his face, with plenty of humor and laughter. Mr. Thomas was a member of the UNM Alumni Association, Associate member of APOA, Associate member of Fraternal Order of Police, Albuquerque Tennis Club, and Bataan Memorial Park Neighborhood Association. Visitation will be Sunday, August 25, 2002 from 3:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Fitzgerald & Son Funeral Directors, 3113 Carlisle N.E. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, August 26, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. at Aquinas Newman Center, 1815 Las Lomas N.E. Father Matthew Strabala will celebrate the Mass. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park.
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