Coach Ed Thomas was a coach and leader for a high school football team, a high school in general as Athletic Director and the community at large as a neighbor and friend. He was a loving husband and father of two sons. Tragically, his life was cut short by a disturbed 24-year old former player in the morning of June 24, 2009, as 20 students were participating in weightlifting.
Coach Thomas was a strong force behind the rebuilding of the
City of Parkersburg that was devestated by a terrible EF5 tornado Memorial Day Weekend 2008. The high school was destroyed, along with Coach Thomas own home.
Coach Thomas was the NFL high school coach of the year in 2005. Four current NFL players: Aaron Kampann (Green Bay), Brad Meester (Jacksonville), Jared DeVries (Detroit) and Casey Wiegmann (Denver) were players for Coach Thomas at Aplington-Parkersburg.
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz issued the following statement on the death of prominent Iowa high school coach Ed Thomas, who was shot and killed Wednesday ...
"This is a tragic loss for everyone that knew Coach Thomas and our entire
state. He was a highly respected educator, coach, mentor and a strong leader in
the community, as well as the coaching community throughout Iowa. Ed loved his
family and his work, and was an outstanding, selfless person who has impacted
countless lives in a very positive way. Our entire staff and team extend our
deepest sympathies to the Thomas family and the community of Parkersburg."
- Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz
Sadly, society saw a lost 24-year old throw his life away, along with the life of a beloved man, who inspired so many that he meet or those who were able to learn from his story in Parkersburg. It is sad that there is so much hatred or anger in the world today.
May we find peace. May our prayers and thoughts remain with those impacted and touched by this tragic day and this tragic event. Ed Thomas was a fine man and much more to those who really knew him.
peace
