Marian Francis Nicholl Thomas

Marian Frances Nicoll Thomas, 96, of Fort Smith, passed from this life January 11, 2017, in Fort Smith. She was born June 2, 1920, in Mineola, Kansas, to the late Henry P. Nicoll and Imogene Erb Nicoll. She attended school in Mineola and graduated from high school in Mt. Hope, Kansas. She attended Draughn's Business School and Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. While in school she was active in vocal groups and did piano accompanying. After college, she worked for Farmer's Cooperative Grain Company, Braniff Airways, and Beech Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas. Marian married Robert B. (Bob) Thomas, in Mt. Hope, Kansas, July 16, 1943. They moved to Fort Smith in September, 1945, when Braniff Airways inaugurated commercial airline service to Fort Smith. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Fort Smith, the Aldersgate Sunday School Class, and was a lifetime member of United Methodist Women. Marian also served as the church organist at St. Luke's Lutheran Church for 10 years during the 1960's, and was a member of the Organ Guild. She was the first President of the Fort Smith Symphony Guild, and a member of the Symphony Guild Board. For a long period of time, she was associated with Mary Long's Children Shop and later retired from there. Marian was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Robert B. (Bob) Thomas, her parents, and a brother, Lawrence Nicoll. Marian is survived by two sons, Richard Thomas and wife Lavonna of Rogers, Arkansas, and James Thomas and wife Debby of Starkville, Mississippi; four grandchildren, Francie Weaver and husband David, Sara Hart and husband Nate, Spencer and Kyle Thomas; four great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, February 4, 2017, at Roebuck Chapel in First United Methodist Church in Fort Smith. The family will greet friends in the Narthex of First United Methodist Church following the service. Services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.