Edward L. Thomas

MR. EDWARD LEE THOMAS JR, also known as Doodles; Roach; Daddy Sherbert; Daddy Thomas; Mr.T; Boss Man; Papa Bear; Pap; and the Barbeque King, was born on February 6, 1953 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Betty and Edward Thomas Sr.; Betty remarried to Frank Cox all whom preceded him in death. Edward professed a hope in Christ at an early age at 25th Street Baptist Church. During his childhood he was a member of the P.A.L (Police Athletic League) Club for 5 years. He appreciated this club as a youth; it helped him in so many ways of life. Edward attended Indianapolis Public School 87 and graduated from Crispus Attucks High School. Edward was employed at IUPUI for 22 years before his health began to fail.

EDWARD LEE THOMAS JR met Barbara A. Elliott at a group rehearsal in the summer of 1972, which started their courtship. After seven years of courting they were married on April 2, 1979. Out of this marriage that the Lord approved, Eddie's Angels were born, Helen, Heather, Brittany, and Brianna. They were happily married for 37 years. If ever two people were meant to be together God proved it on the morning Edward transitioned at 1:44 a.m. Edward and Barbara dated for seven years and were married for 37 years. Their loving relationship together spanned a total of 44 years.

EDWARD'S relationship with Christ continued to grow. He became a member of Greater Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church in 1995 under the pastorate of the late Pastor Wesley Manning Sr. Edward loved his church family with all his heart. He remained a faithful member until his death under the pastorate of James A. Green.

EDWARD was a very humble man, full of wisdom, whit, laughter, and a jokester. He loved writing, poetry, singing, fishing, watching T.V., going to the movies, Jack's Pizza, Pepsi, being around his family, but his passion was bar-be-queing.

On the morning of August 7, 2015, as his wife, daughters, brohters, family and friends surrounded him. Edward ansered the call home of our Lord and Savior at 1:44 a.m. He leaves to carry on his memories: his loving wife, Barbara A. Thomas, daughters; Helene Tameka, Heather Nicole (Andre'), Brittany Elaine (Zachary), and Brianna Leah Thomas; brothers, Jerry L. DeWayne A. Richard A. Thomas; sister, Cynthia McWilliams; Greata Aunt, Gracie Woodard; Aunts; Laura Mae Cox, Elisabeth Hamilton, and Kathleen Howard, grandchildren; Ja'Carra L. Ja'Leese A. and Ja'Von W. Taylor, and Kaiden M. Thomas-Young, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many cherished friends.

FAMILY APPRECIATION

The family of Edward Lee Thomas Jr., wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation all acts of kindness, calls, card condolences, prayers and many other expressions of love shown in our time of sorrow. "Thanks" to Dr. Safi Shahda, the nursing staff, infusion team, social workers and the hospice nurses at Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center for the caring, compassionate and professional care you gave Edward. We also express a special thank you to Crown Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery.