Donald Avery THOMAS

December 2, 1938 - February 3, 2014

*Obituary
Donald Avery Thomas, 75, of Winslow, Arkansas, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Feb. 3, 2014, in a local hospital. He was born on Dec. 2, 1938, in Fort Smith to the late Avery and Evelyn (Brazzeal) Thomas.

He was a glass blower for 18 years at Thomas Industries in Fort Smith, but in 1971, Don received the call of God on his life and began a journey in the ministry that would lead him to different churches and areas that would be forever changed by his ministry and the love he had for people. Don was a pastor for more than 35 years. He started his pastorate at a church in Winslow. He went from there to a small church in Chester, where he saw 97 people born again and baptized in his first year of ministry. He then started People's Church in Fayetteville, which grew so big that a new church had to be built in order to accommodate more than 500 people. Many miracles and salvations occurred at that church. The Lord then led him to Texas in 1984, where he was a pastor at a church in Franklin and then on to Hearne, Texas, where he was a pastor at his last church before moving back to Arkansas in 1999.

Don had an extraordinary ministry and a strong anointing on his life that translated into his personal life as well. He was a big man with a big heart. The legacy of his ministry will continue through his sons and his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was a member of Pigeon Creek Freewill Baptist Church in Mountainburg.
He was a retired minister, ministering for 40 + years and was a member of Pigeon Creek Freewill Baptist Church in Mountainburg, Arkansas.

Graveside services will be 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 5, 2014 at Bolton Cemetery in Alma, Arkansas under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home of Alma.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Thomas of the home; four sons, Don Thomas of Indianapolis, Indiana, Mike Thomas and Darryl Thomas both of Mountainburg, Arkansas, and Shannon Thomas of Winslow, Arkansas; two sisters, June Phillips of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Patsy Webb of Midland, Texas; one brother, Butch Thomas of Mountainburg, Arkansas; 7 Grandchildren and 2 Great Grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Justin Thomas, Michael Thomas, Joe Thomas, Butch Thomas, Mike Thomas and Darryl Thomas.

Photo courtesy of Frances Allen Titsworth

Contributed on 4/16/22 by Billsully060
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Record #: 1428575

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