Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hey , Brother . You would be 59 tomorrow . 8/22/66 . It's weird that our birthdays were so close . 8/27/69 . So much water has gone under the bridge . Sometimes I resist visiting this page . I always have to feel feelings . Some good . Some not so much . Reading others posts about you makes me realize what a change you made in your life . When you got to Mertzon you became a confident , strong person . I remember hearing about a fight you had at beer can flats . A bully from the past showed up . You gave him two chances to leave you alone . He regretted not adhering to your polite warning . You made a difference in people's lives . While you were here , and after you went home . " No greater love does a man have than he would lay his life down for a friend " . I really dont know what to say . I miss you . I wonder where you would be today . What you would be doing . I love you .

Cpl . Gilbert Wade Thomas
Brother

August 21, 2025

It's hard to believe it's been 27 years since you've been gone. I woke up today and remembered you. My birthday is on June 27 and I just wanted to say it was a blessing to have been apart of your life. My life goes on but yet yours is frozen in time. Your memory still lives on and I'm glad I got to know you. I have a distinct memory of you when we worked together. Someone made a call that there was a skunk in their yard and you got sprayed by that skunk. And since I was riding with you the car smelt so bad. We ended up having to stop by your house so you could change your clothes. You had just moved so there were lots of unpacked boxes in the house, making it harder for you to find another uniform. Your daughter kept calling your name, "Po po", and you picked her up and held her in your arms. I remember the look you had in your eyes when you talked about your daughter. I cant remember the exact words but I knew she meant the world to you. Anyways, After finding your pair of pants.We left your house to patrol.I moved out Eagle Lake 25 years ago but I will never forget you or your ultimate sacrifice.

Vaya con Dios mi Hermano.

Captain Jesus (Jesse, Chuy) Rodriguez
Houston Fire Department ( retired )

June 22, 2025

God of Justice, I am grateful for the lives and sacrifices of all America’s Peace Officers. They died serving us. Help us never forget. Help us celebrate their lives and honor their sacrifices. Be with the families of these fallen peace officers. Comfort them and give them Your strength and peace. Guide us as we seek to take care of the families of these fallen heroes. May we care for them with integrity. In commemorating the deaths of these fallen heroes, help us also to remember that death is not the end. Death does not have the final say, but is simply the transition from this earthly life to the heavenly life yet to come. This assurance was guaranteed to all believers upon the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to that life to come with joy and anticipation. Thank You, Lord God, for hearing this prayer. In the mighty and holy name of Christ Jesus, Your dear Son, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scripture References:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
Ordained NACM Minister
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 18, 2025

Hey , it's the 18th. It's 05:28 . I'm sitting outside my apartment . I hear the early morning birds and loop 306 traffic . The slight breeze makes it comfortable . For some reason the pool pump is off . That makes it xtra serene . Kitty kitty just went downstairs . This is a strange part of the year . It wasn't a very good father's day . Now it's that day and tomorrow June-teenth . June-teenth being a reminder of freedom in Texas seems to be gift to a new beginning . Understanding how fragile we are and how resilient at the same time . I have had to make some tough decisions recently . All the years and preparation you made to become a police officer eventually led to the end of your time here . Two weeks of actually being an actual cop . Employeed with Eagle Lake . I can look back on your past . It would have never occurred to me that your path would take you where it did . Rock star , maybe . Veterinarian , I could see it . Thinking about you always reminds me to get back into the moment and be grateful . And to be prepared . God speaks to me all the time . I have found myself to be AM - FM . Only when I'm tuned into his channel do I receive his broadcast . He is constantly transmitting his signal . You are a hero . You saved lives in the loss of your own . No greater love does one have than he would lay his life down for a friend . You did God's will . It's hard to understand that your leaving so early could be in God's plan . We look through a glass darkly . Someday face to face . I suppose Brother Michael was correct . Death is only a vehicle of transportation to get us home . You are home . I miss you . I love you .

Cpl . Gilbert Wade Thomas
USMC 88-92 / brother

June 18, 2025

Hey ,
It's getting close to the anniversary of that horrible day . I'm sitting here with the news of my first grandchild on the way . Every time I leave a reflection the tears begin to fall . There is so much of my past I tried to drown in alcohol , work and my own selfishness . I have not been the brother , son , father or husband I would of thought I could have been . You were so young . Had lived through so many difficulties and challenges . Went to.a Naval board twice to become eligible to be hired as a police officer . We buried our mother . I buried you . Dad died . I wouldn't allow myself to feel any of it . Loneliness is my greatest challe today . I sit alone at home and feel . Cry . Uncover , discover and discard . Billy Joel wrote he would rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints . I'm no.saint . It does feel better to let that stuff out than to keep it in . I love you . I miss you . You are not forgotten .

Cpl . Gilbert Wade Thomas
USMC . Brother .

May 29, 2025

Hey , brother ,
June is one month away . I had just come home from an overnight shift at a Tru Value Hardware Store distribution point in New Hampshire . Tge phone rang and Peggy told me what had happened . I got on a bus at noon . It took me 4 days to get home . The miracle was they routed me through Oaklahoma City . Which made no sense . Until I realized the exact hour of your funeral in Eagle Lake I was in your birthplace. OKC . I sat down on the curb for that hour knowing that God had given me grace . I miss you a lot . You have two wonderful nephews , Ty and Walter . I went to Sherwood a while back and cleaned up a little . It's such a peaceful , quit place to rest . I love you .

Cpl. Gilbert Wade Thomas
UCMC , brother

May 19, 2025

Hey , my brother. It's getting close to Christmas . It seems strange sometimes why some people are taken early in life with so much to offer . You worked so hard and waited so long for your dream of becoming a police man a reality . And to have it end so suddenly . I wonder where life would have taken you . I miss you . I love you .

Gilbert Wade Thomas
Brother

December 14, 2024

My husband and I were renting your home in Sugar Land when we got the news. You and your daughter and wife cross our minds every time we drive through Eagle Lake, which is often. Today was the first time I found this page. We never knew exactly what happened, and my husband and I were both amazed that you found the strength to take him down. BRAVE. We salute you Sir.
You are missed.

Mr. and Mrs. William Dunkerley

September 14, 2024

Tomorrow is your birthday . August 22 , '66 . You are missed . I think about you sometimes . I watch " Live on Patrol " on YouTube . It's a sheriff pod cast from Minnesota . It makes me feel close to you . I love you .

Wade Thomas
Brother

August 21, 2024

Hey brother .
I was out at Sherwood cemetery the other day . I told someone I would do something for them when ever I could . So for that person reading this , task performed . I miss you in so many new ways all the time . Ways I never thought I could . It's coming up on father's day . Your daughters birthday . The anniversary of your death . The anniversary of two other unnecessary passings . There is always a memory I have of you that used to drive me crazy . When we worked for Randy Scott . You would roll around and play with every dog in every back yard that we mowed or did lawn sprinkler work in . You truly had a child's heart . I have been avoiding these emotions for some time now . There is a great amount of sludge that is released before the waters flow clear . In reading others reflections your ripples in life's pond have affected so many others . To ALL of those who have been touched by Tobin's wake , please let there be hope , love , understanding , forgiveness and peace .

Gilbert Wade Thomas
Brother

June 10, 2024

Hello my name is Calvin Holloway I am the son of Betty Lou Holloway the woman that was killed I know it's been a long time and I've been wanting to get this off my chest to the family of Mr Thomas I just like to say thank you for everything that Mr Thomas persevere and trying to save my mother. Thank him for his gratitude thank him for his service and thank him for being the police who tried to protect the community my heart is with the family of Mr Thomas and my love sincerely goes out to everyone that was involved that night it's much more than I want to say but words can't explain thank you so much from the bottom of my heart Calvin Holloway

Calvin holloway

May 20, 2024

Hey , Tobin , my brother . It's been a long time since you left us . You would have been 57 today . You were born in Oklahoma City , August 22 , 1966 . I always think of you when I hear Three Dog Night , I've never been to Spain . " I've never been to Spain , but I've been to Oklahoma . They tell me I was born there , but it doesn't really matter " . I was on the bus from Manchester , New Hampshire coming to your burial . They routed me through Oklahoma . The exact hour of your funeral in Eagle Lake I had an hour stop in OKC . It was as if God realized if I couldn't be at your Omega , I could be at your Alpha . I miss you . I know you are with God . " No greater love does a man have , that he would lay down his live for his friends " . I know your sacrifice has produced a great harvest of life and love . Reading the reflections of those that were with you and those that came after . You are a true hero . Much love .
- Wade Thomas

Gilbert Wade Thomas
Brother

August 22, 2023

I did officer thomas" funeral
He was a good man who put his life on the line for our commmunity

Rev. Joe c. Fling
Pastor

July 8, 2023

Officer Thomas, You are not forgotten by the men and women who work in Massachusetts law enforcement. RIP

Mike Kane
Retired Detective, Boston Police Dept.

June 18, 2023

Officer Thomas,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 18, 2023

It's been 25 years since you passed . Hard to believe . I love you brother .

Wade Thomas
Brother

June 18, 2023

Hey . Thinking about you today . I miss you .

Wade Thomas
Brother

June 17, 2023

Rest in peace Patrolman Thomas.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 12, 2022

My brother , you would have been 55 yesterday . I miss you . I remember how you loved dogs . Every lawn sprinkler job we were on you would spend time with the dogs . God is dog spelled backwards .

Wade Thomas
Brother

August 23, 2021

We haven't forgotten. We are forever grateful. Still holding the line. Be at peace.

Detective Andrew Lattimore #540
Longview Police Department

June 18, 2021

In this time of hatred and sorrow I wish you were here dear brother...

Kasey
Sister

July 15, 2020

I was just talking about you this morning and you pop up in my memory, this was the hardest 911 call ever and I think about you and your family often, especially with the way the world is going . You truly were a hero

Andrea Scherer Gross
Colorado County Sheriffs Dept

June 20, 2020

You have not been forgotten. Time passes but the memory of you saving my father's life does not fade. Thank you again. We're still holding the line.

Rest easy, warrior.

Detective Andrew Lattimore #540
Longview Police Department

June 18, 2020

Darkness lay upon the street after love was driven away.

Red Jealousy arose and mindlessly took Timid love’s place.

Pride.
Anger.
Fear.
Past seeing clearly.
Past heeding love’s restraint.

Until. Until. Until.

Angry thoughts.
Angry words.
Angry gunfire.

Fear.
Regret.
Satisfaction.
Proud love mumbling, “I told her.”

Light comes into the darkness. Rescuing love is borne in the hearts of two, chasing away the thickness.

Until. Until. Until.

Proud love swells amidst pain and declares quietly, “I will not go with Rescuing love.”

Anger catches another breath and, surging, fires at love.

Strong love falters and falls, staggers, and sinking, fires desperately... wildly into the dark.

Second love comes and joins Strong love as Strong love is finding Ever Love.

Second love is paralyzed.
Fear.
Powerful.
Touchable.

Until. Until. Until.

Second love is made strong by the Watchers.

Seeds of forgiveness disguised as tears are planted by Second love where Timid love was taken, where Strong love gave, where Proud love fell.

Quietly, the seeds grow into small love and on into big love and finally into Purifying Love where pride is consumed and all that remains is Redeeming Love.

Rest in that Love Tobin.

Chief W.E. Lattimore (Ret.)
Columbus Police Department

June 18, 2020

I forgot your day this year. I'm sorry. I think about what you did on the regular and I am grateful.

Enjoy your rest, warrior. You earned it.

FTO Andrew Lattimore #540
Longview Police Department

July 4, 2019