[1][2] He was born on September 23, 1919, in Keatchi, Louisiana, to Edward and Dora Thomas, a landowner and teacher, respectively.
[1] Thomas joined the Houston Police Department in 1948, initially experiencing substantial discrimination as the sole African-American on the force.
He slowly gained his colleagues' respect by "doing his job unimpeachably" and rose to senior police officer.
[1] Thomas served for 63 years, the longest period of service of any municipal employee.
[1] In July 2015 Houston Police Headquarters was renamed the Edward A. Thomas Building.