Donald Eugene Thomas

Donald Eugene “Donny” Thomas, 69, of Texarkana, Texas, was received into heaven by his Lord and Savior on August 2, 2026, after battling a lengthy illness. Donny has triumphed over that battle and has entered into the kingdom of God. Such is our promise in God.

Donny passed into heaven, peacefully and comfortably in his home, with his loving and adoring wife, Julia, his children and his grandchildren at his side.

Donny was born April 4, 1957 in Columbus, Georgia to Reverend William David Thomas and Janice Joan Thomas. He was the fifth and last child born to Dave and Joan. Donny, also known as “Don E.” often quipped, that he was given the name “Don E.” by his mother, as after his birth, she purportedly said she was “DONE.”

Donny was surrounded by the love of God and family the entirety of his life.

Donny was blessed with an extraordinary talent to sing like no other. He began singing with his siblings at church with his mother at the piano at the age of three years old. He would sing loudly and with certainty and boldness. By the age of 12 Donny begin traveling with a southern gospel Quartet within a tri-state area surrounding his family home and church. After completing high school Donny toured nationally singing of the glory of God with various renowned southern gospel Quartets.

Donny was gifted, a great four octave vocal range. While attending Houston Baptist University, he was dubbed by his professors as “King of the High C’s.”

Donny met the love of his life, Julia, on June 12, 1992 at Eureka Springs, Arkansas when she and her family attended a performance where he was singing. Donny met Julia‘s eyes from the stage and she from the audience. A spark ignited between Donnie and Julia that remains eternal as is also the promise of God.

Donny is survived by his wife, Julia Ellen Thomas, his children, Donald Jordan Thomas (Grace), Phoenix Jade Thomas (Zoie); grandchildren, Tristan and Thomas; brother, William David Thomas (Linda), sisters Debra Miller, Diana Radford, and Denise Ruth Goldstein (David); sisters-in-law Rose Kay Parker (Warren), Ruth Ann Holland. Also surviving Donny our numerous nieces and nephews and their children.

Donny, your life was an absolute blessing, your laughter, your voice, your kindness, your ways, and most, specifically your love remain with us forever.

Greatest thanks to:

Denise Ruth Goldstein and Dr. Samuel Brett Kaplan for their unfettering attention to Donny and Julia during Donny’s illness.

Aaron and Robert Radford Jr. for anticipating and fulfilling needs for Donny and his family often before we were even aware of those needs.

Elara Care for their exceptional care and ministry to Donny and his family.

Online tributes may be submitted to www.eastfuneralhome.com.