Rev. Maxie L. Thomas

A beloved husband, father, minister and friend, he went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 10, 2008, at his home. He was born on April 29, 1932, in Baton Rouge. He was an ordained minister with more than 45 years of service to the Lord. He graduated from Istrouma High School, class of 1951. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy Reserve and worked for Gulf States Utilities Gas Department for more than 10 years. He served as pastor of Ascension Christian Assembly in Gonzales for 11 years. After evangelizing and ministering in mission work across America, as well as Mexico and East Africa, he became associate pastor of Life&Praise Temple in Auburndale, Fla., for 18 years. Survived by his wife, Shirley Kelleher Thomas; daughter, Lauren T. Jones and husband Charles R. Jones; grandson, Jason R. Jones and wife Alicia G. Jones; great-grandson, Collin R. Jones; son, Kelly W. Thomas and wife Wanda W. Thomas; granddaughter, Holly T. Sheets and husband Scott Sheets; great-grandchildren, Kristian, Ethan and Madeline Sheets; grandson, Brandon Thomas and wife Amber Thomas; son, John L. Thomas and wife Stephanie S. Thomas; grandson, SPC Lanson Thomas and wife Rachel Thomas; and granddaughter, Jessica Thomas. He has a brother, Robert W. Thomas, of Bakersfield, Calif. He was preceded in death by his father, Maxie Thomas, and mother, Oma Lee Bourke. These are some of the facts of his life. Now here is the heartbeat. He was a musician playing several instruments, leading song services for years, a painter and an author. But his passion was for the people and God's word and work on Earth. He cared tenderly for those the Lord brought across his path. He ministered anywhere and at any time that God led him. He will be much loved and missed tremendously until we meet again. Visiting will be at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Monday, April 14, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and in the chapel on Tuesday from 8 a.m. until religious service at 10 a.m., conducted by the Rev. David C. Cook. Interment in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be the Rev. Havis Gabbard, the Rev. Ron Nissen, the Rev. Bill Webb, the Rev. Danny Livingston, the Rev. Ed Bledsoe and the Rev. Larry Janes. Honorary pallbearers are Charles R. Jones and Jason R. Jones. A special thanks to Dr. Jennifer S. Szurgot and staff, Chase Home Health and St. Joseph Hospice.