Michael Lavon Thomas

Michael L. Thomas was born in Columbus, Ohio to Fred and Charmyne Thomas on March 10,1954. Even though Michael was born in Columbus, he spent many summers in West Virginia with family. As a young boy, Michael spent time at the neighborhood recreation center playing basketball and engaging in the activities there, along with many other youth from the neighborhood. He attended Columbus Public Schools from elementary through the 12th grade. Michael would often say that the only high school in Columbus that was worth mentioning was East High School. After graduating from high school, Michael attended and completed four years of post-graduate work at Otterbein College. He graduated with a degree in Political Science. Michael was not much of a talker; however, he would certainly argue with just about anyone about politics and the political state of the country during his era. The whole point of the argument was for the other person to be persuaded to accept his opinion regarding the situation.

It was at Otterbein College that Michael and Delores Barber met. Delores did not like Michael at first. Obviously, that changed, as they began dating and after graduating from college they were married on March 19, 1977. They remained married until his death. When Bishop Samuel D. Ayers, Jr. counseled the couple and went over the vows, etc. Delores attempted to change a portion of the vows to say, we will stay together as long as we both shall love. The Bishop said, oh no, the vows are to say, until death do you part.

Michael believed in the work ethic. After graduating from college, he worked for the State of Ohio, later in Licking County Ohio School District. Until he was forced to retire, due to a disability, he worked for AFSCME labor union.

Michael attended church with his family at Mount Olivet Baptist Church during his early years. Michael met Bishop Ayers. Delores was already a member of Emmanuel Memorial PNP Church and Michael began attending. When Delores was pastoring her church, Living Faith, Michael was right there to assist her.

Michaels' health began to decline, and he was placed at Wexner Heritage Village Nursing Care Facility on 9/10/2022, where he remained until his death. Many of the nurses, aides and other staff members including the hospice staff he was linked with, got to know Michael. He was considered a joker and would often make them laugh. They also learned that if he said "no" in a certain tone, he meant "no". God decided to call Michael home on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Charmyne Thomas; brothers, Fred O. Thomas, Jr., James E. Thomas; and sister, Beatrice O. Locke.

He leaves to cherish his memories, wife of 48 years, Delores J. Thomas; two sisters, Sylvia Logan, Katherine Burley; two daughters, Micah (Orlando) Alexander, Detra (Steven) Thompson; three grandchildren, Christopher Alexander, Jonathan Alexander, Eva Thompson; great grandchild, Hendrix Alexander, and special adopted daughter; Lauren Bryant; several nieces, nephews, extended family, church family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025 from 5:00pm to 6:00pm at Diehl-Whittaker Funeral Service with a Funeral Service immediately following. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit his Guest Book.