Bishop Howard Thomas was born July 7, 1925 in Green Grove, Ark to Walter and Josie Thomas. To this union were born five other siblings: Oscar, Voyd, Nathaniel, Walter and Rudolph.
Howard was an active runner at age 13. From the ages of 16 to 20, the owner of a rice farm in Stuttgart selected him to manage his farm. He has always enjoyed hunting and fishing. He moved to Michigan in January of 1948. He was formally employed at Auto Specialties in St. Joseph, MI. He retired with 31 years of service. Bro. Howard Thomas had many skill trades as a building contractor, auto body mechanic and at one time he owned and improved many apartment dwellings. Bro. Howard was a member for one year under the leadership of the late pastor C.L. Benton of Benton Temple C.O.G.I.C. in Stuttgart. Along with Fred Patterson, Mose Howard, Fred Counch, Eld. Barlow and Frank Gillespie sung in a group names Soul Revivers. He accepted Christ January 20, 1959 on Eastland Ave. at the C.O.G.I.C.# 2 under the leadership of the late pastor Sup. John H. McCoy Sr. In June of the same year, he went to help his brother, Elder Rudolph with his mission on Chestnut St., Benton Harbor. Bro. Howard helped in the erection of Holy Temple C.O.G.I.C. located at 135 Walnut St. He dwelt with his brother at Holy Temple for 12 years. During his tenure at his brothers church, he labored in the vineyard as an Usher, Choir member, Sunday School Teacher, Young Peoples Willing Workers President and church utility helper. In 1965 the Lord called Bro. Howard to the ministry. Many years ago, in the Mephis Holy Convocation, he worked with Elder Larry at the tarring services and assisted with the offerings. On July 20, 1962 he married Sister Mae Purnell and they raised four sons: Daniel, Andrew, David and Stephen. Bishop Howard Thomas passed on March 17, 2017 in the year of our Lord at home.
Bishop Thomas leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Mother Mae Thomas; five children, Daniel (Ruth) Thomas, Houston, TX, Andrew Thomas, Las Vegas, NV, David (Tammy) Thomas, Chandler, AZ, Stephen Thomas and Flossie (Kevin) Phillips, Benton Harbor; four grandchildren, Juanita Grier, Brian Thomas, Charmeta Thomas and Yolanda Thomas; a host of nieces, nephews and Tabernacle Church Family.
Bishop Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Thomas; one grandson, Milo Thomas.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Family Funeral Home, Benton Harbor.
Visitation
MAR 26. 04:00 PM – 05:00 PM
Tabernacle COGIC
787 Superior St.
Benton Harbor, MI, US
Service
MAR 26. 05:00 PM
Tabernacle COGIC
787 Superior St.
Benton Harbor, MI, US