Mr. Thomas joined U.S. Steel Corporation in 1952, upon graduation from the University of Michigan Law School. He rose through the ranks from tax supervisor to executive vice president and a member of the board of directors.
In 1982, he was named vice chairman-administration and chief financial officer of what became USX Corporation.
He was one of the original directors of the WMU Foundation and served on numerous other boards, including Manufacturers Hanover Corporation and Allegheny General Hospital.