Martin Neal Thomas was born of Delaware, Shawnee, and Creek descent, on March 20, 1942, in Vinita, OK. He began his journey home Thursday, May 15, 2014, from his lifetime home place in White Oak, Oklahoma. Born to Milford Thomas and Jerline Chisholm, he was the third son of eleven children. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Cordelia Nan Thomas, brothers, Robert Thomas, William Thomas, and Gerald Thomas. He is survived by his wife Nicki Thomas of the home, daughter Carla Fisher and husband Dan of Collinsvillle, OK, son Chissoe Brown of White Oak, daughter Victoria Daniel and husband Sid of Verdigris, son Vincent Thomas and wife Kelly of Sperry, son Vance Horsechief and wife Rebecca of Pawnee, daughter Bianca Kirkendall of White Oak. Surviving brother's Harold Thomas and John Thomas of Tahlequah, Marvin Thomas of Chelsea, William "Chiefy" Tiger and wife Liz of Sperry, sister's Jerline Kidd of Avant, Karen Tiger of Tulsa, Cindy Tiger of Bixby. Surviving aunts and uncles, Dorothy Panther of Turley, Norma Sue Quinton of Bird Creek, Kathy Hughes of Hominy, and George Washington of Seminole, OK. He has eighteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He has numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins throughout the United States. Martin attended Oaks Mission, White Oak Public School, and was a Chilocco Indian School alumni. He continued his education at Tulsa Junior College earning an Associate Degree in sociology. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps 1960-1964, and respectful of his fellow veterans. Martin was an Native American Civil Rights activist and Chairman of the American Indian Movement in Tulsa as well as a member of the Native American Church also serving as a local representative in the state chapter. He retired as a pharmacy technician from the Indian Health Service in Claremore. He was part owner of the Pipestone Smoke Shops of White Oak and Sperry, OK. He spent his remaining years farming and ranching on the family farm. He will be dearly missed by many loved ones. Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemories.com. Arrangement are by the Luginbuel Funeral Home of Vinita.
Visitation Details
The Family Home
Service Details
Sunday, May 18th, 2014 10:00am, Thomas Family Cemetery
Interment Details
Thomas Family Cemetery