William Jahue 'Buck' Thomas

On April 7, 2014, William Jahue "Buck" Thomas passed away peacefully at home. Buck Thomas was born Feb. 26, 1918, to Joe and Lou Duffer Thomas of Rogers, Ark. Mr. Thomas was a 1936 graduate of Rogers High. After high school, he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps building trails and cabins near Friendship, Ark. He later joined the Arkansas National Guard on Oct. 19, 1939, serving in the 2nd Battalion, 147th Field Artillery battery in Fort Sill, Okla. With the outbreak of WWII, he was mustered into the regular Army transferring to the Army Air Force. He served as a gunnery sergeant on a B26 bomber in the European Theater. Mr. Thomas flew 43 missions as a tail gunner over France, Belgium and Germany as a member of the 557th Bombardment Squadron. During the war, Mr. Thomas survived being shot down twice and received the Bronze Star for bravery. After the war, Buck returned to Northwest Arkansas to farm. He later worked 33 years at Daisy Manufacturing in the maintenance department helping to keep the plant running. Buck was preceded in death by his adored wife of 55 years, Edith Shaddox Thomas; and his stepson, Jesse Vernon Doris. He is survived by his son, Bill Thomas of Kansas City, Mo.; and his daughter-in-law, Charlene Doris of Eagle River, Alaska. Mr. Thomas will be remembered as strong presence in the lives of people he touched. He passed on his love of the outdoors, life, and people to those he knew and loved. The family request donations to the American Cancer Society or Hospice Foundation of America, in lieu of flowers or other gifts. A graveside ceremony will be conducted at Rogers Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2014. Services are under the care of Rollins Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www.rollinsfuneral.com.