Keith Roy Thomas

Keith Roy Thomas, born on December 25, 1961, in Detroit, Michigan, to John Leonard Thomas, Jr. and Marilyn Constance Thomas (née Lang), passed away on October 22, 2024, in Norman, Oklahoma. He was 62 years old.

Keith's life was one of passion, dedication, and love for the outdoors. From his early years, he stood out for his sense of adventure and commitment. He spent his childhood in Detroit, where he developed a love for sports, earning recognition as a defensive end on his high school football team. His athleticism also shone through in track, and his long limbs and natural coordination made him a talented trombonist in the school’s marching band. In addition to his sports and music pursuits, Keith was an active member of the Boy Scouts, and his dedication earned him the rank of Eagle Scout—a testament to his discipline, leadership, and service to others.

After graduating from high school, Keith went on to attend Central Michigan University, where he earned a degree in Fisheries Biology. This marked the beginning of a long and fulfilling career with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Keith moved to Okmulgee, Oklahoma, in 1988 to begin his work with the department, before transferring to the Fish Research Lab in Norman in 1990. He spent over three decades in this field, dedicating his life to preserving Oklahoma's natural resources. Keith was particularly proud of his involvement in the Close to Home project, which focused on bringing fishing experiences to families and children in Oklahoma City and surrounding areas. His efforts gave many the opportunity to enjoy and connect with the outdoors, a cause that was deeply meaningful to him.

Keith was also passionate about bird conservation, and he took great pride in his research on Blue Birds. He created a path lined with Blue Bird boxes, a project that he cherished and occasionally shared with his grandchildren as they collected data together. Whether he was fishing, introducing others to the joys of crawfish scavenging, or simply enjoying the peace of nature, Keith lived a life that reflected his deep connection to the world around him.

 Keith’s professional accomplishments were matched only by his devotion to his family. His family meant everything to him, and he poured his heart into creating memories that would last a lifetime. He was a loving husband to his wife, Ghislaine, and a proud father to his daughter, Chloe. His love for family extended to his stepchildren: Jeremy Shives, Tanya Shives, Annalissa Richardson and her husband Heath, Laura Gmeiner and her husband Andy, and Ashley Carter. He found joy in his role as a grandfather to Caity Chicoine, Lena Gmeiner, Taylor Richardson, Lola Shives, Beau Richardson, and Stella Gmeiner. Keith’s legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren, each of whom will carry forward the lessons he imparted with love and dedication.

In addition to his immediate family, Keith is survived by his mother, Marilyn Thomas, and his sisters, Kay Thomas and Ellen (Thomas) Hanna. He is also remembered fondly by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends, all of whom were touched by his warmth, humor, and generosity.

Keith was looking forward to retiring in December, after years of devoted service to the wildlife conservation efforts he was so passionate about. While he has left us far too soon, his contributions to his family, community, and the environment will continue to inspire and guide us for years to come.

A man of deep character, boundless love, and a true appreciation for the simple joys of life, Keith’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. His spirit lives on in every fishing trip, every bird box, and in the smiles of his grandchildren, whom he adored. Rest in peace, Keith. You will be missed, but never forgotten.

Please honor Keith by donating to the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation at https://www.okwildlifefoundation.org/, Oklahoma Diabetes Foundation at https://diabetes.org/local/oklahoma or the Mary Abbott House of Norman at https://www.abbott-house.org/ 

A Legacy Reception for Keith will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Come-and-go service, with an opportunity for family and friends to share stories and memories of Keith around 5:45 p.m.