Obituaries

Brother John Eugene Thomas, III a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grand father, uncle, brother, and friend passed away on January 11, 2024. Brother Thomas was born March 25, 1951 to the late John Thomas, Jr. and Mary Pillow Thomas of Helena, Arkansas. Brother Thomas was a pillar of strength, faith, and love. His impact on those around him was profound and everlasting. He was a devout man with a great love for God that was evident in his everyday life. Brother Thomas accepted Christ at an early age. His commitment to his faith was mirrored is his dedicated service at Paradise Missionary Baptist Church until it was destroyed by a natural disaster. He continued his service to the Lord for more than 30 years at First Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church. Brother Thomas was active in all phases of church work. He cooked, cleaned and helped to maintain the building. No task was too great, no job was too small. He humbly did it all. He served as a deacon, trustee, and superintendent of Sunday School. He was always willing to teach Sunday School and Bible Study. His commitment to his faith consistently demonstrated what it meant to be a true servant of the Lord.

In addition to his commitment to his faith, Brother Thomas was also committed to serving his community. He attended Saint Luke Elementary School at Helena Crossing and graduated as a member of Eliza Miller High School Class of 1969. Later, he attended Phillips County Community College. Brother Thomas worked at Helena Hospital for 26 years. It was there, he began his career as a Medical Lab Technician. He went on to become a Histology Technician and a Pathologist Assistant at Helena Regional Medical Center, Jefferson Memorial, and Saint Vincent Infirmary. Brother Thomas joined the West Helena Police Department in 1994 as a part-time officer. He joined the now merged Helena-West Helena Police Department as a full-time Police Officer and graduated from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in 2007. Officer John Thomas served as the Chief District Court Officer and Bailiff for the Phillips County District Court for a number of years. In 2014, he joined the Phillips County Sheriff Department and was assigned to the Patrol Division. On April 9, 2022, Officer Thomas took an oath of “Justice, Integrity, and Service.” He began the final stage of his law enforcement career as a Court Security Officer of the United States Marshall Service at the Helena Arkansas Federal Building until his passing. This community has truly suffered a great loss.

However, his family mourns an irreplaceable covering that can only be refined by love, grace and mercy of God. Brother Thomas loved his many deer hunting seasons, the Dallas Cowboys, the L.A. Lakers and his annual trips to St. Louis, Missouri to see the Cardinals play. Mr. Paw Paw, as he often referred to himself, entertained us with tall tales of his imaginary adventures around the world. He would often become serious as could be, before making up stories to tell that were so far fetch and boring you had to laugh. Mr. Paw Paw’s silly stories and corny jokes left us shaking our heads in amazement. He would often do special things for his wife, family, and friends. He especially doted on all his grandchildren. He absolutely adored his great-grandson, Elijah. Mr. Paw Paw cooked pancakes for breakfast, cooked pasta, fried pork chops, catfish and shrimp, smoked turkeys, or barbequed a Boston butt, chicken and our favorite baby back ribs. Food and gifts were his love language. He diligently provided for his family and worked tirelessly. During those times, he was our Mr. Paw Paw.

Along with his parents, John and Mary Thomas, Jr., John Eugene Thomas, III was preceded in death by eight siblings: Annie Mae Thomas, Ruth Ella Harris, Katherine Stevenson, Alfred Thomas, Johnnie Mae Thomas, Geraldine Brown, Marvella Anderson, and Bernella Cathy.

Brother Thomas leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife of 51 years, Cuarlstine Porter Thomas. He also leaves to continue his legacy Cassandra (Michael) Franklin, Haven (Erika) Thomas, Elihoenai Israel “Jonothan Kirkwood,” Maya Fleming, Miles Vincent, Malcolm Vincent, Jayden Thomas, Marley Vincent and Elijah Porter Coleman. Two surviving siblings lovingly remember him; Irene Johnson, and Albert (Celeste) Thomas. He will also be respectfully remembered by his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends for his loyalty and commitment to living a life of high standards, spiritual growth, and honored responsibility.