Dr. John A. Thomas

JOHN A. THOMAS, Ph.D., Scientist, Medical Educator

Dr. John (Jack) A. Thomas, age 92, internationally recognized scientist and medical educator, passed away on November 15, 2025, in Carmel, IN. He was born on April 6, 1933, in La Crosse, WI to the late John M. Thomas and Eva Hazel Nelson. He is survived by his son, Dr. Michael J. Thomas, (Dori), Galena, OH and his daughter, Jane L. Hoover (Scott), Carmel, IN and his grandchildren (Matthew Hoover, Lauren Hoover, Alexander Thomas and Annemarie Thomas). He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Ann (Fisler) Thomas (Milwaukee, WI), his brother, Thomas N. Thomas (Minneapolis, MN), his sister Jacqeline J. Sladky (Madison, WI), and his sister, Carmen J. Bey (Owatonna, MN).

John served in the U.S. Army as a non-commissioned officer. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and received his Masters and Doctorate degrees at the University of Iowa. Professor Thomas entered a career in academic medicine, holding professorships in pharmacology and toxicology at several medical schools. He served as Associate Dean of the School of Medicine at West Virginia University and as Vice President at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He was a prolific author and contributed many research articles in prostate cancer and monographs in endocrine pharmacology and toxicology.

During his career, Dr. Thomas received several national and international awards including Distinguished Alumni Awards from the University of Wisconsin and the University of Iowa. He was past president of the American College of Toxicology and the Academy of Toxicological Sciences, and he received the Merit Award and the Founders Award from the Society of Toxicology. Dr. Thomas was professionally recognized by several federal agencies for his service, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and the National Institutes of Health. He was an elected foreign member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences. He was a member of several scientific and medical societies as well.

During their retirement, John and Barbara resided in Fishers, IN, and were members of the First Presbyterian Church in Noblesville, IN. Through both leisure and his scientific career, John and Barbara traveled extensively, visiting over 60 countries.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date, with interment in Oak Grove Cemetery, La Crosse, WI.

Condolences: www.randallroberts.com