Gordon Jerome Thomas Sr.

I, Gordon Jerome Thomas Sr., was born to Aaron and Edith Thomas on February 24, 1946, at 12:01a.m., at the University of Kansas Medical Center. I attended Attucks Elementary School, and in the middle of the seventh grade, my family moved to Missouri where I began attending Central Middle School, followed by Central High School, graduating in 1964.

I began working for the City of Kansas City, Missouri in late 1964 as a laborer for the Water Department at the purification plant in North Kansas City. I continued working for the city until my retirement in 1997. During my 33 years of service, I held positions as a draftsman I, II, III, as well as an engineering technician. At various times while working for the city, I also attended Penn Valley Community College. Due to a sleeping disorder, I discontinued my studies after completing 41 credit hours.

On April 1, 1973, I married the former Ella Maxwell. From this union was born my only biological son, Gordon Jerome Thomas Jr. (Jay). I also helped raise Ella’s four children: Earl, Stephan, Stephanie, and Donna.

In December of 1997, I married Karen Conwell (Ewing), and I helped her raise her two children, Everett and Michelle.

I was a lifelong member of the Bethel Seventh-Day Adventist Church. I was baptized in 1951 at the age of 7 by Elder Samuel Meyers. I served my church as a Sabbath School Superintendent, teacher, AY Leader, deacon, treasurer, and building and site coordinator. My longest tenure was as treasurer, a position I held for 31 years.

I was preceded in death by my father, Aaron; mother, Edith; and grandparents. I leave to mourn my passing my wife, Karen; my children, Gordon Thomas Jr. (Anedra), Earl Maxwell (Wanda), Stephan Maxwell, Stephanie Maxwell, Donna Maxwell, Everett Conwell (Crystal), Michelle Abubakar (Ali), my grandchildren, Jae’Shonna Thomas, Gordon Thomas III, and a host of others, my brothers, Wesley Thomas and Dean Thomas (Hope); along with a host of nieces and nephews, and my Adventist family.

I did not want to be remembered for what I did or did not do. My prayer was that I be ready to meet my Heavenly Father in peace. If that was not accomplished, none of the other things would matter. My time has come and gone. God will judge my completed and in-completed work. My chapter is closed, and there is nothing to be added or subtracted from it. Live your life so you can be proud when your name is called. It is true-eternal life is a gift you cannot earn, but obedience has been a prerequisite since the earth was formed. Do not be fooled; God won’t be!  Authored: May 9, 2013.