Thomas Stanton

He was born Tuesday, September 21, 1937, in Panola, Alabama. He was the sixth of ten siblings – six girls and four boys. He was raised in a Christian home, was taught the Bible by a godly mother, and grew up in the Church of God, which he attended faithfully as a young man.

The early years of his education was somewhat hindered because on the farm everyone had to do his/her fair share of the work, and then there was a four mile walk to school on way, every day. Many days the school was poorly heated, but in spite of these difficult conditions, he graduated as vice president of his class.

As a young boy, he lived the truth he was taught from the Bible. At the age of about ten, he felt the call of God on his life to preach. Mrs. Josephine Turner, a seventh grade teacher, expressed how she could see God’s anointing on him and at an early age that he would be preaching someday.

After serving in the Army in communications for three years, he decided to move to Chicago. He attended the Langley Avenue Church of God under the pastorate of Elder E. J. Morris Jr. He was a youth worker, choir member, usher and a Boy Scout leader. He also served as assistant to the late Rev. Sis. Rosalee Harris in Out-reach ministry there in Chicago.

He attended the Cristy Trade School to become a building mechanic, serving high-rise buildings there in Chicago before moving to Muncie, Indiana and became employed at Ball State University for twenty-eight years.

In September of 1964, he met Connie Winfrey. A short while after their introduction it was apparent to both that it was God’s will for them to become one. After nine months of engagement, they became husband and wife on June 26, 1965. In October of 1966 a son, Michael Brian was born.

In April of 1976, they moved to Muncie, Indiana. Looking for a church home, they were led to Kirby Avenue Church of God making this their permanent place of worship. He served as an adult Sunday school teacher, was also appointed Trustee, and became a member of the choir. After faithfully serving for a while, he was encouraged to fulfill his calling. He served as Associate Pastor under Rev. John Cooper and after the passing of Rev. Cooper; he served as Interim Pastor for two years. During his internship, he attended the Center of Pastoral Studies, Anderson University School of Theology where he received his Ministerial license. In September 1993, he was ordained as Pastor of Kirby Avenue Church of God. He and his wife, Connie worked together and served faithfully until his retirement in September 2012. He continued to attend Kirby until his health failed.

Thomas was also a member of the Promise Keepers, and the Collective Coalition of Concerned Clergy.

We always look to the Word of God and prayer for the answer to every problem. He was strongly committed to the work of the Lord and was a wonderful loving husband and father. He will be greatly missed.

Thomas leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of fifty-eight years, Connie; his loving son, Michael (wife, Julia); stepdaughter, Latoya; stepson, Alvin; two sisters, Bessie and Dinah; brother, Robert; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition, his church family.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Elm Ridge Funeral Home, 4600 West Kilgore Avenue, Muncie, Indiana 47304 with Pastor Stephanie Niemoeller Collins officiating. Burial will follow in Elm Ridge Memorial Park with Military Rites conducted by Veterans of Delaware County Honor Guard.

Family and friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Elm Ridge Funeral Home.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at elmridgefuneralhome.com for the family.