Jerry Thomasson

Jerry K. Thomasson, 75, former state legislator (1962-1966) and retired administrative law judge, (SSA 1971 - 2000), died Sunday, April 29, 2007.

He was born October 17, 1931, in Arkadelphia to the late Joseph Baron and Gertrude Dean Thomasson. He was predeceased by his parents and two sisters, Mertis Calloway and Roena Steck.

Jerry was a graduate of Arkadelphia High School, a former student at Henderson State Teachers College and received a J.D. degree from the Arkansas Law School in 1959. He was a Korean War veteran.

As a representative from Clark County in the Arkansas Legislature from 1962 to 1966, he introduced the bill to make Henderson Teachers College a University, a move that prompted other legislators to follow suit in their own districts. His love for Henderson was evident in his lifelong promotion of H.S.U. to prospective students, and his interest in HSU sports.

He also introduced legislation to add the white safety lines to the outside edges of Arkansas highways. He served in the Legislature with Dr. Lu Hardin, the current president of the University of Central Arkansas, and former U.S. Sen. David Pryor. He was Librarian of the Arkansas Supreme Court when Jim Johnson was Chief Justice. They remained friends until Jerry's death. One of Jerry's favorite Christmas gifts each year was a beautiful tie from "Justice Jim."

Jerry was in private law practice for eight years with Huie, Huie and Thomasson in Arkadelphia. After serving in the Legislature, Jerry ran an unsuccessful bid for Attorney General, He served as a Referee for the Arkansas Workmen's Compensation Commission from 1960-61, was past chairman of the Legal Aid Committee of the Arkansas Bar Association, the Legislative Committee of the Junior Bar Association and the Clark County Development Council. He was also director of planning for implementation of Title XVI of the Social Security Act for Region VI from 1968-1971.

Jerry was an expert on Civil War history, an interest that sparked his son to do genealogical research that resulted in a discovery of a great-grandfather from Georgia who fought for the South and was a direct ancestor of a family member who fought under George Washington during the Revolutionary War. He was an expert in Razorback sports history and an avid fan. He respected and admired Frank Broyles, telling everyone who would listen about Frank bringing pride and respect to Arkansas and across the nation during his tenure as coach and athletic director. He supported the athletic programs at the U. of A. until his death.

Jerry was a staunch supporter of former President Bill Clinton and took pride in his being from Arkansas, and was mentioned in Clinton's book, My Life.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Juanita Yates Thomasson, a son, Bryan (Shannon) Thomasson of Benton; one daughter, Grace Ann (Jeff) Weber of Bryant; a sister, Faydean (Orville) Roberts of Benton; one brother, Jack Thomasson of Arkadelphia; four grandchildren, Sara and Noah Weber and Will and Sophie Thomasson; and one nephew, Ted Freeman of Jacksonville.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, May 3, 2007 in the Ruggles - Wilcox chapel, with Rev. Gene Outler officiating.

Visitation 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 2 at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia.

Burial at DeRoche Cemetery in Bismarck.

Memorials may be made to Hospice Home Care, 2200 S. Bowman, LR 72211 or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at www.JDRF.org