posted on Tuesday, September 20, 2011
June 24, 2009, Coach Ed Thomas was tragically taken from us. Many of you know Coach Thomas as the Head Football Coach at Aplington-Parkersburg High School, in Parkersburg, Iowa. Some of you may know him as the high school coach that sent four players to the National Football League. That is all true, but for those who don’t know about Coach Ed Thomas, he was about so much more than football. He was a man of faith and family. During his life, Coach Thomas was able to inspire many people, and showed them how to live a life leading by example.
His faith played a big role in his life. Even though he was so passionate about his faith in God, he would never shove it down a person’s throat. Coach was heavily involved in his church. After his passing, it was obvious that any foundation made in his name, should give back to faith-based organizations.
Family was also something Coach Thomas took very seriously. He was a loving husband to his wife, Jan, and father to two sons, Aaron and Todd. He also loved the community of Aplington-Parkersburg and wanted the whole world to know about what a great place it is.
The Ed Thomas Family Foundation strives to continue Coach Thomas’ legacy by supporting the community, helping young people, spreading the message of God, and voicing the importance of character.
I hope the Ed Thomas Family Foundation shows you that something extremely good can come out of such a tragedy. I also hope you can see that only one person can make such a big difference.
“Whatever you do in life echoes thru eternity.” –Ed Thomas