Orval E. Thomas was born in Bell County on April 18th, 1918. He was a well-known rodeo performer who worked all five events and a member of the first pro rodeo association known as the Turtle Association later on to become the R.C.A. and now at present the PR.C.A.
He was best known a great calf roper and calf roping horse trainer. He won many top rodeos, calf roping and match ropings during his great career.
He married Eula Gene Hinson on June 2nd, 1946 in Temple, Texas. Orval Thomas served in World War II. He was in the 75th Armored Medical Division in 1943. Orval was a calf roping doing what he loved best when he died in April, 1968 of a heart attack at the age of 50 years old.
