Hartford Cornelious Thomas

Companion H.C. Thomas was born in Wattensaw, Arkansas, February 11, 1920. He was educated in the Public Schools of Beebe, Arkansas, and was somewhat active in High School sports but found his greatest love in horse training. Attended Business School in Houston, Texas.

His military service was as Staff Sergeant in the Philippines, 1944 through 1946. Received sharp shooter and normal combat ribbons.

He is married to Verna Belle Thomas and resides at 2311 Haldane, Houston, Texas. They have two children: Daughter, Barbara Ann Menefee, and Son, Roy Allen Thomas. Companion Thomas still retains his membership in New Hope Baptist Church in Arkansas.

MASONIC HISTORY

He was Raised a Master Mason in Reagan Lodge No. 1037, A.F. & A.M., Houston, Texas, October 9, 1954. Served as Worshipful Master in 1963-1964, and is presently serving as Secretary.

Exalted in the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason in Will N. Kidd Chapter No. 424, R.A.M., Houston, March 10 1965; served as High Priest 1970-1971 and served as Secretary 1971-1979; R:E: District Deputy Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter in 1972; and is the Grand Representative of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of France near the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas. Was elected Right Excellent Grand Scribe in 1972, passed through the Chairs and was elected and installed as Most Excellent Grand High Priest on December 2, 1975, and served during the year 1976.

Greeted in San Jacinto Council No. 347, R.&S.M., Houston, Texas, March 31, 1965; served as Thrice Illustrious Master 1969-1970, and served as Recorder 1971-1979. He is the Grand Representative of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Nevada near the Grand Council of Texas. He was elected Right Illustrious Grand Principal Conductor of the Work in 1978, passed through the Chairs and was elected and installed as Most Illustrious Grand Master on December 9, 1980, and served during 1981.

Knighted in Ruthven Commandery No. 2, K.T., March 3, 1967. He is a Life Member of the Knight Templar Eye Foundation.

He is a member of the Houston Scottish Rite Bodies and was invested and decorated as a Knight Commander Court of Honor. He is a member of the Order of High Priesthood, Order of the Silver Trowel, York Rite Esoteric Association, Texas York Rite College, Arabia Shrine Temple and Past Masters Unit of Arabia Shrine Temple.

Obituary

Brookside Cemetery Houston, TX