Family and politics were everything to 74-year-old Don Thomas, one of nine siblings who was a devoted dad, grandad and great grandad who served the Coxford ward from 2007 to 2019.
Don and long time colleague and friend Keith Morrell made history when they became the first two independents ever to be elected in the city after splitting from the ruling Labour party in 2012 when they voted against budget cuts, including the pool closure.
Former Southampton city councillor Don Thomas has died (Image: Family collection)
READ MORE: Funeral plea for 90-year-old who died in Sholing hit and run
A minute’s silence was held at a recent full council meeting in which former Cllr Thomas was described as ‘a very special person’ who was ’embedded in his local community, wanting to make a difference’. The City Arms flag will also be lowered to half mast on the day of his funeral later this month.
Born in Winchester, Don grew up in Colden Common and Shirley, later moving to Millbrook and then Myrtle Road, Lordshill where he lived for decades with his late wife of nearly 50 years Colleen.
Don owned cafés and nightclubs, including The Jackpot Café in Portswood, before launching his own painting and decorating business. It was while taking on young apprentices that he became interested in their outcomes and began a political career trying to make a difference.
Labour refuseniks Don Thomas, front left, and Keith Morrell. Local election count, Guildhall, Southampton Friday 8th May 2015 (Image: Chris Moorhouse)
As well as saving Oaklands pool, his many victories over the years also included saving libraries, respite centres, retirement housing complex Erskine Court, and reopening public footpaths.
Daughter Tammy, who served alongside him for a time, said the many messages received from locals about how Don had helped them had been a huge comfort to the family.
She told the Daily Echo: “It shows what a big difference he made. He believed in fairness and working class people being heard. That was his passion. He was just a good man. Family was everything to him.”
Don Thomas outside the Southampton City Council offices (Image: Newsquest)
Don, a keen gardener with an allotment, rescue chickens and ducks, leaves children Tammy and Ryan and grandchildren and great grandchildren Joshua, Leon, Jaxon, Miah and Bleu-Frances.
His funeral service will take place on Friday April 17 at 1.45pm at Southampton Crematorium.
Independent councillors Keith Morrell, Tammy Thomas and Don Thomas after election (Image: Chris Moorhouse)