Cornelius and Viola (Jackson) Thomas were overjoyed when their union was blessed with the birth of Duane Joel Thomas on February 23, 1967 in the city of Baltimore Maryland. Duane joined his older siblings, Theron, Deborah, and Leon as the youngest of four. He was quickly known as the family comedian.

Duane was the only child who had a slight age gap between the other siblings. You see Cornelius and Viola had their first three children in 1960, 1961 and again in 1962. At this point they felt they needed a little break and did not have Duane until 1967. He was able to get away with things the first three did not because they were just tired. However, his siblings loved their little brother.

Duane at an early age was introduced to talking and singing in front an audience which helped him in his later years when he became a pastor. The Thomas's believed in Christian education, and they sacrificed and sent Duane and all his sibling through SDA Christian educational institutions from the first grade through college. Duane attended Baltimore Jr. Academy (BJA) from first grade through the sixth grade. His mother moved from Baltimore Md to Pine Forge Pa. and Duane continued his 7th and 8th grades at Pine Forge elementary school. He went to Pine Forge Academy where he fell in love with music and was part of the Pine Forge Academy Concert Choir. He matriculated to Columbia Union College and Oakwood College where he graduated with a degree in theology. He attended the Andrews University Seminary where he graduated with a Master of Divinity degree. Duane was currently attending Southern University where he was pursuing a Master of Social Work Degree.

While Duane was attending Oakwood College in Huntsville, AL he just happened to take a trip to Maryland one weekend which changed the trajectory of the rest of his life. It was on this trip he met the love of his life "Joy Walton". They became very close even though it was from afar. They sealed their union on August 13, 1995. To this union was born Joshua Carlton Thomas (1997) and Calen Maur □ Thomas (2002). Duane loved being a family man and was close to both of his children. His children loved going on vacations with him. He would always plan exciting and adventurous trips, such as para sailing, water skiing and deep-sea dolphin watching. They loved his adventurous spirit. Because of his up bringing he learned the importance of Christian education and made sure that his children also had the opportunity to attend a Seventh Day Adventist church school.

During his time at Oakwood and Andrews University Duane had an opportunity to help with several major evangelistic crusades throughout the United States and worked with several outstanding evangelist. This experience was integral to him being selected to work for the Central States Conference of Seventh Day Adventist in 1994. Duane pastored in the Central States Conference for 18 years and pastored for the South-Central Conference of Seventh Day Adventist for the past eight years. He has pastored in St. Louis Mo., Atchison KS., Denver CO., Omaha NE. and Memphis TN. He was currently pastoring the Covington, Pulaski and Scottsboro Churches.

Duane was known as not just being a preacher he was known as a true pastor. He loved his congregations and they loved him. He was ordained in the Central States Conference in June of 2001. He loved music, evangelism and outreach, and was known for how he was active in member visitations. He was truly a people person in and outside of the church. Some of his best times where during the PELC conferences where he was able to socialize and bond with other members of the Adventist Clergy. He considered those days high times.

Duane grew up with a loving family and as his older siblings we tried to steer him in the right direction. Somehow, he strayed off the right path and became an avid Lakers fan and a crazy Pittsburg Steelers fan. No matter how much we tried we could not talk him into walking in a better path.

Duane had a quick wit and loved to debate. Many of you found this out during the pandemic when he began relentless post on politics and anything else that came to his mind. Many of you will remember him saying 'RUN JOE RUN'. Sometimes I thought he must be a paid Joe Biden commentary. His post became a must read on Facebook. Many people who mourned his death only knew him through Facebook and stated they feel they lost a friend.

Duane's family will greatly miss him. He served as our resident pastor. He married several of us. Eulogized several family members including his own mother and father. He kept laughter in our home. Over the past few years Duane was faced with several health challenges that we believed he had made it past to the other side. However, on early Saturday morning February 20, 2021 his challenges were back, and he was laid to rest from this world.

He leaves to mourn his wife, Joy Thomas, his two children Joshua and Calen Thomas, his three siblings Theron (Gwen) Thomas, Deborah (Donald) Robinson, Dr. Leon (Crystal) Thomas, mother-in-law, Olga Walton, one brother-in-law, Carlyle (Astrid) Walton, one sister-in-law, Drs. Simone (Victor) Walton-Marcelle, three aunts, Marie Williams, Lorraine Ricks, Valarie Baynard, two uncles, Edward Jackson, Milton (Doralyn) Thomas, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A public viewing is scheduled for Thursday February 26, 2021 from 4 pm until 6 pm. Service of celebration is scheduled for 12 pm both at R. S. Lewis and Sons 2944 Walnut Grove Rd. Burial will be Tuesday March 2, 2021, 12 pm in Pleasant Rest Memorial Gardens.