Thales Latimer "Tom" Secrest was born on March 16, 1927, in Sylvan, Lamar County, TX, to Jesse Talmadge Secrest and Nora Allie (Geers) Secrest.  Tom was the 6 ^th child born of 10 children (8 boys and 2 girls).  While growing up, Tom attended grade school in Sylvan, Jr High in Pattonville, TX and graduated from Deport (Texas) High School.

Tom enlisted in the US Coast Guard between his High School and College years, serving February 5, 1945 to September 7, 1947.  Tom Secrest was a WWII veteran.  He was proud of that fact that all 8 boys in his family served as soldiers, sailor or airmen in the United States Armed Services.  Tom's oldest brother, Wayland, was killed in action in WWII.  Seven of the "Secrest" boys graduated from college on the GI bill.

After serving his country ,Tom attended Dickinson State College and the University of North Dakota Law School.  Tom graduated with a Juris Doctorate and Bachelor of Philosophy.  Tom practiced law until he was almost 90 years old.  He retired from law at the end of 2016.

He met Barbara Rose Graham in Dickinson, ND.  They were united in marriage on June 3, 1951.  Two children were born to them, Bruce and Brenda.  In 1961, Tom and Barb, moved to Hettinger, ND, with their children.

Tom really enjoyed politics.  He became Chariman of the ND Republic Party in 1964 through 1969.  As Chairman, Tom did a lot of traveling, both in and out of ND.  Tom met several Presidents, Senators, Congressmen and other political leaders.  He followed the political scene and enjoyed watching FOX News a lot in his later years.

In 1975, Tom and Barbara moved north of Haynes, ND and raised Paint and Quarter horses for almost 45 years.  They enjoyed show horses, permfromace horses and race horses.

Thales Latimer Secrest passed away on Friday, June 19, 2020 in Hettinger, ND, at the age of 93.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; parents, Jesse and Nora; brothers, Wayland Woodrow, Randle Ambrose, Jesse Athol, John Hammond, Byron Dale and Merwin Boone; and sister, Martcha Dell.

Tom is survived by his son, Bruce Byron Secrest and wife, Nancy, Hettinger, ND; daughter, Brenda Kay Schulz and husband Curtis, Grant, OK; sister, Novelyn; brother, Kenneth; granddaughter, Kylee Edge and husband, Keith; great-grandsons, Kollin, Kamden and Kolson and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In the last several years, Tom enjoyed the meals and camaraderie at the Senior Center in Hettinger.  As such, a suggested memorial would be the Hettinger Elder Care Meal Program.  A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.