NEW : President Obama praises Thomas ' bravery . Thomas died of pancreatic cancer on Sunday . He was 15 when he and others integrated Arkansas schools in 1957 . He attended Los Angeles State College , where he was a member of the student government and president of the Associated Engineers . Comment:
NEW : President Obama praises Thomas ' bravery . Thomas died of pancreatic cancer on Sunday . He was 15 when he and others integrated Arkansas schools in 1957 . Comment: