Billy Eugene Thomas

Billy Eugene Thomas, 67, of Moore, Oklahoma, passed away on October 28, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and tireless advocate for those with disabilities, Billy lived a life defined by determination, compassion, and a belief that everyone deserves a chance to thrive.

Billy graduated from Del City High School in 1977, where he was an accomplished track athlete, demonstrating the competitive spirit and determination that would remain with him throughout his life.

Following high school, Billy proudly served in the United States Navy, where his dedication and performance earned him two meritorious advancements. After his military service, he built a long and successful career with United Parcel Service (UPS), retiring after 39 years.

While Billy took pride in his professional accomplishments, some of his most meaningful contributions came through his extraordinary dedication to therapy dogs and the people they served.

For more than two decades, Billy devoted himself to rescuing deaf dogs from shelters and training them to become credentialed therapy companions. His remarkable dogs — Patience, Whiskey, and Izzy — became beloved visitors to hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and organizations serving children and adults with disabilities.

Patience, his first therapy dog, became nationally recognized as the first deaf therapy dog in the United States. Billy saw potential in a dog others had given up on, patiently teaching her to respond to sign language and helping her become a source of comfort to countless children. Whiskey and Izzy followed in her footsteps, each bringing their own personalities and gifts to the work.

Together, Billy and his dogs spent countless hours at Bethany Children's Health Center, the J.D. McCarty Center, Oklahoma Foundation for the Disabled, and the Toby Keith Foundation, often working with children recovering from severe brain and spinal injuries. Through these visits, Billy offered far more than companionship. He created moments of connection, encouragement, and joy for children and families facing extraordinary challenges.

His commitment extended beyond the therapy room. Billy served eight years on the board of the Oklahoma Foundation for the Disabled and was recognized as the 2014 Special Olympics OK Volunteer of the Year (The Capitol Area). He also brought comfort to children affected by the devastating Moore tornadoes in 2013, volunteering alongside Whiskey during disaster relief efforts.

Billy was deeply spiritual, though his faith was not always expressed in traditional ways. Instead, he demonstrated his beliefs through his actions — offering kindness without expectation, compassion through service, and help wherever he saw a need. He believed in second chances, both for the animals he rescued and for the people whose lives they touched.

Above all, Billy cherished his family. He is survived by Elaine Thomas, his beloved wife of 35 years; his daughter, Melissa Cooper, and granddaughters Audrey and Natalie Cooper; his son, Sylas Younger, daughter-in-law Mariam Younger, and granddaughter Brittany; his sister Debbie Marr and brother-in-law Kyle Marr, along with their daughters; and his sister Paige DeSantis and brother-in-law Frank DeSantis, along with their sons.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Wanda and Bill Thomas, and his brother, Darrell Thomas.

Billy's legacy lives on in the family he loved, the lives he touched, and the countless moments of comfort shared through his remarkable work. His life was proof that kindness, perseverance, and a willingness to see possibilities where others see limitations can make a lasting difference.

May he now rest in peace, free from suffering, reunited beyond the Rainbow Bridge with the faithful companions who went before him.

A celebration of Billy’s life will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Yanda & Son Funeral Home Chapel located at 1500 W. Vandament Avenue, Yukon, Oklahoma 73099.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Billy, celebrate his life, and reflect on the lasting impact he made on those who knew and loved him.

In honor of Billy’s lifelong dedication to helping children and individuals with disabilities, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to either of the following organizations:

Bethany Children’s Health Center https://www.bethanychildrens.org/ways-to-give/donate/

Oklahoma Foundation for the Disabled https://www.okfd.org/donate

These organizations reflect the compassion and commitment to service that defined so much of Billy's life.