DAVID THOMAS, JR

David Thomas, Jr. Aug. 6, 1929 - Feb. 1, 2015 SOUTH BEND - David Thomas, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in San Francisco, California on Sunday, February 1, 2015 at the age of 85. David was born August 6, 1929, in South Bend, Indiana to David Thomas, Sr. and Dora (Ballentine) Thomas. He attended school in South Bend, Indiana and as a young man was a member of Olivet A.M.E. Church also in South Bend.

David was predeceased by his son, David Michael Thomas; parents, David and Dora Thomas; brother, Albert "Russell" Thomas; and sisters, Ann Brown, Ethel Mae Milton, Juanita Thomas and Evelyne Alford.

He is survived by his youngest sister, Lucille Thomas of South Bend, Indiana; his daughter, Julia Thomas of Berkeley, California; grandchildren, Ade Thomas-Stewart, Joy Taggert, Todd Thomas, Megan Lockwood, and Michael Thomas IV, and several great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Annie Thomas of South Bend, brother-in-law, Clyde Alford of Fort Wayne, Indiana; nieces, Stephanie Thomas and Leslie Alford of Fort Wayne, Indiana; nephews, Christopher Alford of Clifton, New Jersey, Lamar Thomas of South Bend, Indiana, Steve Thomas of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Gregory Thomas and Kevin Thomas of Indianapolis, Indiana, and several great-nieces, nephews and friends. David was born with one arm off at the elbow, but God blessed him with a wonderful artistic talent.

After graduating from South Bend Central High School, he worked at Robertson's Department Store in downtown South Bend for many years where he used his artistic talent to create the most beautiful window displays and store decorations. He also did art work for the NAACP State Conference in the 1950's. David was a member of the H.T. Burleigh Music Association where he sang with the group and also did set dressings for their plays and operas. David, his wife Shirley and son Michael moved to San Francisco, California in the early 60's where they welcomed another child, Julia Thomas. After working many years with San Francisco City and County, David transferred to the San Francisco International Airport where he worked until his retirement at the age of 75. He was a recipient of the airport's William R. O'Brien employee of the year award in 1999 designating him as one of the airport's outstanding employees.

Cremation has taken place in San Francisco. A memorial service will be held in San Francisco at a later date. The family thanks the caregivers who took such good care of David and also family members and friends for their kind messages of sympathy.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Mar. 15, 2015.

03/05/2023 EJS