Ralph Werner Thomas

December 16, 1929 – July 22, 2024

Ralph Werner Thomas, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2024, at the age of 94. Born on December 16, 1929, as the 11th of 15 children in rural Wisconsin, Ralph's remarkable life journey took him from the family farm to the NFL and beyond.

Growing up on a farm during the onset of the Great Depression, the Thomas family thrived in their close-knit environment. Ralph learned the value of hard work and community. Times were tough, but the family farm where they grew potatoes and strawberries sustained them and provided small luxuries. The kids earned a penny a quart for picking strawberries, which they eagerly spent at the State Fair or on fireworks for the 4th of July. His mother's chocolate kuchen and the warmth of meatloaf and baked potatoes on a winter's day were simple joys that Ralph cherished. Ralph always talked about the 'party line' telephone they shared with four neighbors and how their school tuition was paid with potatoes.

A gifted athlete, Ralph earned a football scholarship to the University of San Francisco, where he played on the legendary 1951 Dons team. This team was more than just football excellence; they stood for racial equality, refusing to play in the Orange Bowl due to segregationist demands. Ralph and his teammates chose principle over glory, leaving a legacy of unity and courage.

Following USF, Ralph began his professional football career with the Chicago Cardinals and later the Washington Redskins while also starting his 34-year management career with Cummins Diesel. His NFL career was interrupted for two years when he served in the US Army during the Korean War, stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he met the love of his life, Kathleen Smith. They married and together raised six children. Cummins valued Ralph’s dual passions, allowing him to balance his NFL pursuits and professional responsibilities.

Ralph's heart was always with his family. Together with his wife, Kathleen, they created a loving home for their six children: Charlene Bybee (Bern), Pamela Weldin (Terry), Mark, David (Beth), Stephen (Karen), and Kevin (Robin). He adored his nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy. His love for his family was unwavering, and his dedication to their well-being was a testament to his character.

Ralph was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathleen, who passed away in 2016, and his parents, George and Louise. He was also predeceased by his siblings Mildred, Vincent, Marie, Charles, George Jr., Marcella, Alice, Joseph, Jerome, Leo, and Ann. He is survived by his loving sisters, Jean, Rita, and Kathy, along with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

His love for sports was matched only by his love for his community. His involvement was extensive, from coaching his kids' teams to founding the Teen Club at St. John Vianney Catholic Church and the booster club at Northgate High School – both in Walnut Creek, California. He served as a lay minister at every church where he was a parishioner and was active with the Sertoma Club in Sparks, the Reno Police Department Senior Volunteer Program, and PAWS for Passengers with his dog, Nellie. Ralph's impact on the Walnut Creek and Reno-Sparks communities was profound, and his legacy of service will endure.

Ralph was a man of unwavering integrity and fierce competitiveness, embodying his generation's spirit. His life was a testament to always giving 110% and living honestly. He was honored with enshrinement in the USF Sports Hall of Fame and remembered as the oldest living Washington Redskin alumni and the second oldest living NFL player at the time of his passing.

Services will be held on Friday, August 16, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Snow's Catholic Church in Reno, Nevada, followed by a reception at The Virgil Events Center in Reno.

Ralph's life was colorful and admirable, a true role model whose legacy will inspire future generations.