T. H. Thomas, my Grandad, was born in Houston, TX in 1919. At an early age Thomas excelled academically and developed an interest in radio and electronics, spending much of his free time building radios and communicating with other radio users in the local Houston area. His friends and family referred to him as "Sonny" due to his kind and friendly personality. 
 

While he was accepted into Rice University, he chose instead to enlist in the U.S. Army after the invasion of Pearl Harbor. After a tour of duty in Greenland, he was promoted to Staff Sergeant and assigned to the communications center in Hawaii beneath Diamond Head. He was one of the first U.S. military members to receive information over radio that the Japanese had surrendered. 
 

After returning from the War, my Grandad married Melba Rasler, whom he was married to for over 62 years. They had my Aunt (Laurie) and then my mom (Carol); to save money, he built the house they lived in by hand. 
 

While completing his college degree via 'home study', he was able to work as an electrician at DOW Chemical, which he did for the entirety of his 38-year professional career. Among my Granddad's favorite daily activities was watching Jeopardy. It was rare that he missed an episode (almost equally rare for him to miss a question!). When he wasn't busy watching Jeopardy you could find him reading through one of his 'World Encyclopedias', taking part in The American Legion activities, or going on one of his famously long walks. 

 

His enjoyment of learning serves as a great example to us all that learning doesn't stop at the classroom; it's a continuous process that lasts a lifetime. We are honored to host this business innovation competition and scholarship in his name. 

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