Wesley Earl Thomas Jr.

On September 12, 1969, a baby boy was born to Wesley E. Thomas Sr. and Velonder Lee (Harris) Thomas. He weighed 6 pounds 12 ounces and he did an excellent job of crying. His mother insisted on naming him, Wesley Earl Thomas Jr.

Wesley started walking at a year old and he had a lot to say at 2 years of age. At 4 years he enjoyed going to church with his father, at 14 he was baptized in Bether Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Wesley initially did poorly in school, until he had to deal with his father… From the 9th to the 12th grade his improvement was so good that he was given a full scholarship to Penn Valley Community College, where he studied Nursing for a while. Later, he proudly answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Coast Guard, which led him to enlist in the United States Army. Although his time in the Army was brief, his Primary Specialty was as a Medical Specialist, and he was awarded an Army Service Ribbon; a Marksman Qualification Badge and, a Sharpshooter Qualification Badge, separating with an Honorable Discharge.

Wesley learned to play the piano by the age of 30 and started Zyrue Music. He had a group he enjoyed playing music with and he played for different churches wherever he lived. Wesley eventually bought a home in Coffeeville, Kansas where he met Gary. Gary helped him adjust to country living.

On August 30, 2026, Wesley Earl Thomas Jr. peacefully passed away in Independence, Kansas.

Wesley was loving son, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and last, but not least, a father.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Verlonder Lee Alford; his son, Aaron Robert Thomas, and sister, Verlonder (Thomas) Gayden, along with several other close dear family members.

Left to cherish Wesley’s memory: his father, Wesley Earl Thomas Sr.; his son, Courtland Dwayne Ward; his siblings: Manuela (Marcus), Maurice (Stacy), Miles and Adeina; his aunts LaVetta, Viniece, Deniece and Ella; his uncle, Dean; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other loving family and friends.