David R. Thoms

David R. Thoms, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and dedicated rancher, passed away July 13, 2025, at his home in Three Rivers, Texas, surrounded by his family. He was 81.

David was born December 7, 1943, in Sinton to Frederick "Fred" Thoms and Bernice (Turk) Thoms. After high school graduation, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Southwest Texas State University. His educational journey laid a solid foundation for his life which began in his youth at the Lutheran Church in Sinton where he attended with his family. David's proudest accomplishments were in his deeply cherished family life. He married the love of his life, Jo-Ann James, on June 6, 1970, at St. George Catholic Church in George West. Their 55 years together were marked by love, devotion and shared moments over morning coffee, cherishing the simple joys of life.

David spent his life committed to farming and ranching, beginning his career as a cattle buyer for the San Antonio Union Stockyard before joining his father in the family cattle business. He was devoted to his work and carried the Thoms family legacy forward with pride. Throughout his career, he gave life to the land by farming cotton, corn and milo alongside his compadres, Alejo and Inocencio Torres. His cow-calf operation was awarded for excellence and began in the late 1960s with his father, showcasing his dedication to ranching that spanned across five counties. Notably, he was known for his Backmouth cur cowdogs, which endeared him to many. His cowdog bloodline was the first to be sent to Australia and across the United States including Hawaii.

David loved his Bob Wills music and the ranching way of life. He taught his children to ride bareback from a young age, famously saying, "You have to learn to ride like an Indian before you can ride like a cowboy." He was known for his quick-witted humor with his funny one-liners and his well-known cattle calls including “Yite!”

It was a wonderful life.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Bernice Thoms, along with his siblings, Dudley Thoms and Deanie Ploeger.

David is survived by loving wife of 55 years, Jo-Ann Thoms; his children, Suzanne (Monte) Thoms-Knowles, Jeff Thoms, Sarah Thoms and Deann (Trey) Moore; and his grandchildren, Wells and Weston Moore.

A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, July 17, 2025, at St. George Catholic Church in George West with a Mass celebration starting at 10 o’clock. Father Romeo Salinas will officiate.

Burial will follow at the Gussettville Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Thoms, Trey Moore, Wayne Thoms, Gary Lamprecht, Inocencio Torres and Oscar Ruiz.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Leslie Ploeger, David Moore, Arturo Ruiz, Tommy Dugger, Wes Thoms, Monte Knowles, Fidel Torres, Mark Katzfey, Stoney Naylor, Wells Moore and Weston Moore.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Gussettville Cemetery Association. https://www.gussettvillecemeteryassociation.com/donate