Page A. Thomas

Page Thomas, 82, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 8, 2019 in McKinney, Texas. Page was born July 2, 1936 in Leslie, Arkansas, where he lived throughout his childhood. After high school graduation, he attended the University of Arkansas and Hendrix College. In 1961, he moved to Dallas to attend the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, where he received a Master of Divinity degree. In 1963, he was offered a job at SMU's Bridwell Library and was later named the Director of the Center for Methodist Studies at Bridwell. He worked for the Bridwell Library for 46 years until his retirement. Among many contributions, Page was involved in helping the library expand their rare book collection. His love of rare books led him on many adventures, including several trips to England. Extremely knowledgeable about John Wesley, he followed the path of John Wesley's ministry route during one of these trips.

Outside of work, Page had many interests. His love of blacksmithing started when he was a young boy and became an avid hobby in his adulthood. He enjoyed collecting blacksmith equipment and sharing his knowledge with others. He was a founding member of the North Texas Blacksmith Association and enjoyed serving as a board member for the Collin County Historical Society. A passion of his was the Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano, Texas where he demonstrated blacksmithing to visitors and school children. He also donated equipment for a full blacksmith shop to be used for demonstrations and learning opportunities. He was also a Master Mason for the Wylie Chapter.

Page's love for fishing began in his youth on the banks of the Little Red River. Being outdoors and fishing with his son Benjamin was one of his favorite things. Page reeled in his last fish this past summer on Shadow Lake in Arkansas.

Page is survived by his wife of forty years, Caryetta Thomas; his son and daughter-in-law Benjamin and Kristina Thomas, step-children and their spouses Don and Melissa Crume, Carter and Nancy Crume, and Olivia Crume and Per Johansson; his grandchildren Logan, Dalton, Lauren, Allison, Ava, Beckham, Amber, Mark, Collin, Kate, Ian, Carly, Tom, Adrian, Sam, Anna, Madeleine and Sarah; and his great-grandchildren Jack, Emma, Maximus, Stella, and Thomas. He is preceded in death by his son Wendell Page Thomas.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 15, at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Plano. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to the Heritage Farmstead, Collin County Historical Society or First United Methodist Church of Plano.

Page was a generous and special man. He was always willing to help anyone who needed it. He never met a stranger and loved to share his many stories. He was loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.