Delano "Del" Thomas

Thomas, Delano "Del"

Amazing grace led him home on September 24, 2021, with his loving wife and children by his side. Delano Joseph Thomas was born to Agnes and Frank Thomas on November 14, 1936 in Jackson, MI. He was baptized on December 6, 1936 and confirmed on May 2, 1948 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.

He married Joanne Lea Sponsler on October 1, 1960. Together, they provided a loving home for their four children. Del was known for his playfulness and humor, being a 'roustabout' with his grandchildren, he enjoyed cards, games of chance, and golf. Del courageously faced cancer and navigated his way to a peaceful and faith-filled death. Through it all, he lived with love for his family, faith, and community.

Graduating from its high school in 1954, he was a lifelong and committed member of St. John's Parish. He served by leading Bingo, Festivals, Parish School Board, Building and Grounds Committee, and was a friend to every pastor and priest. Del was an advocate for Catholic Schools, a member of the Titan Club, and proud that his children attended St. John's Catholic Schools and graduated from Lumen Christi High School.

He was a generous volunteer and made time to help others including his extended family, friends, and strangers, often at a moment's notice. Del coached Little League baseball and was a dedicated crew member for Habitat for Humanity.

Del served in the U.S. Army during the Cold War. Upon return from overseas, he worked as a lead meat cutter for Kroger. He then began work as an agent for the Farmers Insurance Group in a career that spanned 31 years.

Del is survived by his wife, Joanne Thomas, their children: Julie Thomas-Beckett (Rocky Beckett and their children, Aaron and Elizabeth), James Thomas (Marie Thomas and their children, David and Michael), Timothy Thomas (Shellie Rich and their children, Indigo, Emmeline, Ginger, and Wren), Theresa Goodreau (Cornell Goodreau and their children, Griffin and Gray). He is celebrated by brothers/sisters in-law, nieces, nephews and lifelong friends. Del is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Agnes; sisters, Anne Ford and Jean McCluskey; in-laws James and Barbara Sponsler, Jack Ford and Mark Sponsler; nephews, Michael Ford and David Edmonds; niece, Angel Burke.

There will be a Rosary Service on Monday, October 4 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church at 9:45 AM. The family will receive friends from 10:00–11:00 AM followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM with Father James Shaver as the Celebrant and will be livestreamed on the Church's Facebook page. There will be a committal service with military honors at 2:30 PM at St. John Catholic Cemetery on Monday.

The family wishes to thank Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice for their kind and supportive care. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Jackson, MI.