Orron "OT" Thomas

Orron “OT” Thomas passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the Harlingen Medical Center, Harlingen, Texas. OT was born on January 08, 1939, in Osceola, Wisconsin, to Orron Free Thomas, Sr., and Elsie (Ebert) Thomas. In 1957, he graduated from the St. Croix Falls High School, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. He then attended the River Falls State College, River Falls, Wisconsin where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Science and Mathematics. He earned math credits attending science institutes in Iowa plus a yearlong program at the Math and Science Institute, San Jose, California. OT taught math and science at various secondary schools, ending his 35-year career retiring from Tartan Senior High School, Maplewood, Minnesota. On September 10, 1960, he married Mary Lou Northrup in the El Salem Baptist Church, Ubet, Wisconsin. They later divorced. On April 28, 1984, he married Delphine (Richter) Bryson in the Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, Maplewood, Minnesota. He spent 35 years in Wisconsin and Minnesota, officiating both college and high school football and basketball games. He also officiated men’s basketball and softball leagues. His referee crew was chosen to officiate a State High School Football game in the Minnesota Dome. OT and Del both enjoyed fishing, which they did on the Great Lakes, Alaska, South Texas, the Caribbean, and Australia. They also were able to travel to various parts of the world. A favorite was Germany where they both were able to visit living relatives. After retirement, they began to spend time in Port Isabel, Texas, which became their home. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Jeanette (Michael) Cruise, and infant grandson, Connor Thomas. He is survived by his wife, Del (Richter) Thomas, son, Kevin (Jamie) Thomas, and daughter, Debra (Aaron) Goodall; special sons, Jack (Tara) Bryson and Chase (Leah) Bryson; grandsons, Tyler (Becca) Dreyer, Alex (Mckenzie) Dreyer, Wyatt (Holly) Thomas, and special grandchildren, Ashton and Kyla Bryson; and great grandchildren, Olivia and Charlotte Dreyer, Aela and Paetyn Dreyer; sister, Kathryn (Les) Kehn; and many nephews and nieces. A future celebration of life will be held at a later date. Burial of the ashes will be later in Albany, Minnesota. Arrangements are under the direction of Rudy Garza Funeral Home in Harlingen, Texas.

Orron "OT" Thomas

January 8, 1939 - January 21, 2026

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