Pastor Duane Joel Thomas Obituary in Memphis at R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home

Obituary For Pastor Duane Joel Thomas

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.

Photos & Video

Condolences & Tributes

Add A Condolence

Praying for the family 🙏🏽. I enjoyed Pastor Thomas and his wife as a youth. It was a blessing to see him and his family again when I got older.

Truly a man of inspiration, backbone and integrity. I appreciate the short pause in which our paths crossed. The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart; and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. Isa 57:1 jharper - KCK Agape SDA (prior merge of New Missionary)

I met Pastor Duane during the first ever Code Red conference. His testimony of his personal trials during pastoral ministry and how he overcame is a testimony that still stands out today. He left no stones unturned when he shared. He made it clear to us that God calls and He saves. He will always be remembered. May his soul Rest In Peace. My condolences to you all who loved him so very much.

Sisters Joy and Caleb as well as brother Josh. We from the New Missionary Seventh Day Adventist Churxh send our broken hearts to cry with you. When your family left Kansas City, we were left with a hole that you had filled. We knew that God had other plans for your family and we love that you went where He led. To hear of Pastor Thomas' sudden passing high like a ton of bricks. Thank you for the wonderful moments that God allowed for you blessed us with your love and presence. We will never forget you.

My condolences from the Butler family to the Thomas family. Our prayers are with you!

Joy, We are going to miss Pastor Duane so much. I remember having so much fun with the Pastor Duane when he was pastor at the Berean SDA Church in St. Louis MO. My sisters and I are praying for you and your family. GOD is still in control. Rest In Peace my Pastor Thomas. The Welch & Regan Family

To the family of Pastor. Duane Thomas have comfort that bro. Thomas has made it over and he is now resting in Jesus return. Now it is our duty to continue to live this life to see him again in eternity. God bless Tracey H. Northside SDA STL. Mo.

To Pastor Duane's wife, Joy, and children, our condolences to you. You are in our prayers. Pastor Duane will be greatly missed.

I always had when I was around Duane (my cousin). When I was a junior and my brother (Bert) was a senior at Pine Forge Academy, we were eating pizza at the house and Duane had 2 pieces of pizza crust on his plate. My brother asked him if he was going to eat his crust, Duane asked him if he wanted it and he said no, you eat it. Duane picked one piece of crust and threw it at him, Bert ducked and the crust missed him, so Duane picked up the second piece of crust and threw it at him, Bert ducked again and it missed. Then Bert picked up both pieces of crust and took it back to Duane and sat them on his plate then went back to his seat. You may be asking, "why did he do that?" Well, Duane looked at the crust, then he looked at Bert, back at the crust then back at Bert. He then picked up one piece of crust and threw it at Bert, who ducked again and it missed. Duane picked up the other piece of crust and faked throwing it at Bert, he ducked and as he was coming back up, Duane let it fly and hit him right in the head. The 3 of us got a good laugh out of that and my brother and I think about that time and always get a good laugh out of it.

Pastor Thomas was one Pastor who supported my book, INTRODUCTION TO EBONICS. He came to my booksigning, and he was excited to realize, after listening to the theory that I support, that Blacks in America do NOT speak a dialect of English, but speak a new African language that they created out of necessity as slaves, using English words . . . He realized that he, himself, spoke Ebonics as a first language. That meant the world to me, and I am saddened by the thought that he is not still here to be called upon, later, when I need strong Black, influential people to help me show that Ebonics, as a first language, is not something to be ashamed of -- it should be treasured and considered a privilege . . .. Pastor Thomas was one who would have made a bigger difference to many had he not had an inner conflict going on . . . God bless his family . . . Yes, I loved and respected him. RIP, Pastor!

On behalf of Family Life Minitries and the entire membership of the Philadelphia SDA Church in Pulaski, TN, we mourn the sudden loss of our pastor. He was not with us long, yet, he impacted all of our lives with his music and inspiring sermons. May God bring His peace and comfort, especially to his wife and children. We continue to feel the loss, but look forward with expectations to that Great Day.

I have great memories of Pastor Duane, Sister Joy and Josh from when they were here pastoring in Atchison. Memories of church events, family dinners, recreational activities, debates, jokes and always encouraging words. Pastor Duane and Sister Joy never treated me different even when I would stray from the path I knew was right. My son was born in '97 too and their support, advice, and guidance were always appreciated and never taken for granted. Once they left the Atchison area, I would always seek them out at federations, camp meetings, youth congresses and retreats to catch up with them and reconnect...even if just for a few moments. Their bright smiles, welcoming hugs and positive spirits always made my day. Pastor Duane will be extremely missed. Sister Joy, please know you, the kids and the family are all in my thoughts and prayers during this time. Miss you and love you! TaLena (Smith) Bromley/Atchison, KS

I will greatly miss the friendship that developed over the years with Pastor Thomas. He & I had many energetic & fruitful conversations. We shared several things in common: we're both D. Thomas, DT, we're both Pittsburgh Steeler fans, Laker fans, & liked healthy debate.
Rest In Peace my friend until we meet again in the Heavenly Kingdom.
Darrell Thomas

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home | Memphis, TN