May 25, 1913 to March 30, 2015. On this day Anne Friar Thomas went to be with the Lord and Savior. She waltzed across the human side of life to dance with her angels that have guided her throughout her life.
Anne grew up in Cuero, graduating with honors from Cuero High School in 1931. She ventured off to Virginia where she attended Randolph-Macom Women’s College beginning her degree in Home Economics. Anne missed her Texas roots and returned to Austin at the University of Texas finishing a five year program in Home Economics in 1936.
Her parents gift to her for completing that challenging degree was a three month extended tour of Europe. She enjoyed all aspects of learning the European cultures and visiting historical places.
Returning to Texas again, she moved to the Texas valley where she was Head of Food Services for the Mercedes and McAllen Districts preparing school meals, Fraternal organizations, and school b business functions.
Those Virginia girls that she met at Randolph-Macon then convinced her to move to Washington, D.C. where they all had attained positions. She loaded up her Model A Coup Whoopie and struck off on another adventure. She acquired a position with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Labs where she used her chemistry and science testing for that department.
Life was exciting. She was a beautiful and popular young lady, having many social experiences. One of which while dating the younger Thomas brother, she went to check on the older brother, J. Carter Thomas and they fell in love and married in 1938.
From their time of life in Washington, they had one daughter, Margaret Anne (Missi) who they eventually brought back to Cuero to become part of the legendary Friar Thomas Ranch Story.
Anne’s husband, J. Carter Thomas and her father, Alfred Friar, joined in the cattle and dairy business in the mid 40s. They purchased their first Zebu-Brahman cattle to add to their crossbreds. They then inserted the famous Manso Brahman bloodline which developed a more well rounded beef cattle type. Carter bred and showed his beloved cattle until his death in 1986. Anne was tired of warming the bleachers of all Texas' major livestock shows and chose to continue her Friar-Thomas ranching heritage taking a forwarded direction of F-1 Cross-breeding. Her energy and foresightedness are present today throughout the ranches cattle operation.
Throughout her life, Anne enjoyed being involved with philanthropic organizations. She was active in the Cuero Garden Club, the Hawthorne Book Club, teaching Sunday School, guiding the Youth Fellowship and working the Women of the Presbyterian Church. Anne, J. Carter (her husband) and her mother, Anna Nagle Friar together with Missi Thomas and her daughters, Debra Voekel Benge and Dinah Rae Voekel to help build the Friar Ag Center in honor of their ancestors for future generations of 4-H, FFA, and FHA members to enjoy and perpetuate.
Later, to promote and keep alive the DeWitt County’s ranching heritage she gave the seed money for the establishment of the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum. She tirelessly guided the board toward the perfection that is present at 302 N. Esplanade here in Cuero. She was a steller, strong supporter until her death. Many donations have been dedicated in Anne’s Honor in the Chisholm Museum for her tireless support of the Museum project.
She is survived by her daughter, Margaret Anne Thomas of Cuero; grandchildren, Debra Voelkel Benge (Mike) of Denver, CO, Dinah Rae Voelkel, of Cuero; great-grandchildren, Candice Benge, Kathleen Benge, Rachel Benge, Avery Benge, all of Denver, CO.
Visitation was held Thursday, April 2, 2015 from 4-6 pm at Freund Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at First Presbyterian Church in Cuero, on Friday, April 3, 2015 at 1:00 pm, with Rev. Bill Cotman officiating.
Pallbearers include, Harold Joe Adams, Jr., Harold Joe Adams, III, Ted Aven, Avery Benge, Richard Durand, Richard Filip, Jimmy McMahan, Raul Reyna. Honorary pallbearers include, Albert Aguilar, Mike Benge, Dr. Brent Dreier, Dr. Dan Dugi, Mike McGlothin, Charles Nagel, Willie C. Pickens, Roy Weise, Dwayne Whitley. Special friends include, Frances Aven, Susan Johnson, Gerry McElhannon, Bess Wilson. Caregivers were, Angelene Campbell, Martha Gamez, Renee Lynes, Nina Quientero, Cynthia Thompson, Vivian Thomas, Rosie Weise.
Memorials can be made to the Bluebonnet Youth Ranch, Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum, First Presbyterian Church, or the Friar AG center.
Freund Funeral Home, 361-275-2343.
