Joe Thomas, Sr., 89, of Buna, Texas was born Dec. 23, 1927 in Gist, Texas. He died Friday, April 28, 2017, at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont.
Joe was married to Stella Mae for 60 years until her death in 2008. Joe was a member of Buna United Pentecostal Church and also a member of Gist United Pentecostal Church. When they need a larger church, he was instrumental in the construction due to his expert carpentry skills. He worked many hours during the construction.
He was a merchant marine veteran of World War II and trained at Sheeps Head Bay in New York; loved being on the ship delivering supplies to troops in Germany. He belonged to Carpenters Local 502 and retired after 50 years of service.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Stella Mae Thomas; a grandson, Robert Mansfield; great granddaughter, Brooklyn Hartman, and great-great granddaughter, Melanie Morgan Marse.
Survivors include her children, Joe & Suzy Thomas, Linda & L.B. Woods, Margaret Stroud, Barbara Roberson & Gary Williams; 10 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren; a sister, Kitty Coats; a brother, Dan “Coon” Thomas; honorary brother and friend Wayne McDonald; honorary grandson, Nicolas Wieble; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 1, at Adams EE Stringer Funeral Chapel in Buna with interment at Antioch Cemetery in Buna where he will be laid to rest beside his wife. Visitation will be 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the charity of your choice.
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