Bro. Thomas

A memorial service for Bro. Lou Gary Thomas, 64, Flint, will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at 3:00 PM at Lanes Chapel United Methodist Church with Bro. Jabo Thomas officiating. A private burial will be held prior to the service under direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Bro. Lou passed away, Friday, October 28, 2011 at Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler. He was born October 27, 1947 in Jacksonville, to Billie Murry and Emma Joe Muse Thomas. Bro. Lou was the Salutatorian of the graduating class of 1966 from Burkeville High School. He served as Vice President of the Future Farmers of America on the National Stage. Lou attended Lon Morris Junior College, Stephen F. Austin State University and Perkins School of Theology at SMU. Bro. Lou taught and coached in many different elementary, Jr. High and Sr. High Schools throughout East Texas. He was dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ in ministry for over 40 years. On 3 different occasions his church received the Kenneth Copeland Award for Evangelism which is given for church growth through new believers. Bro. Lou served in many churches including, Spurger UMC, Fairview UMC of Nacogdoches, Bonita UMC of Central Heights, Laird Hill UMC of Kilgore, First United Methodist Church of Harlingen, St. Marks UMC of Center, St. Andres UMC of Carthage, First Untied Methodist Church of Mt. Enterprise, Concord United Methodist Church, Bethlehem UMC of Hudson and the final 22 years at Lanes Chapel UMC of Tyler. Bro. Lou was a very well known member of the Tyler community and served on many different committees and boards for various charities and organizations. He was a very beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Son, Brother, Pastor and Friend. Lou was an example of Jesus Christ to all whom met him. He was an inspiration to all and he showed what it meant to really live what you believe. Bro. Lou was preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his loving family including his mother, Emma Joe Thomas of Cushing; wife of 21 years, Brenda Ann Thomas; daughter, Janae "Nae" Henderson and husband Darrick of Lufkin; son, Jabo Thomas and wife Stephanie of Tyler; siblings, Gayla Sitton and husband Danny of Cushing and Melody Hughes and husband Richard of Tyler; and grandchildren, Matthew Henderson, Jarrod Henderson, Jake Thomas and Avery Thomas. Visitation is scheduled from 6:00-8:00 PM, Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at Lanes Chapel UMC, 8720 Old Jacksonville Hwy, Tyler. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Bro. Lou Thomas may be made to Lanes Chapel UMC "Building Fund" or the "Benevolent Fund", 8720 Old Jacksonville Hwy, Tyler or www.laneschapel.com and click on Bro Lou's Corner.

Bro. Thomas

October 27, 1947 - October 28, 2011