Michael James Thomas, Sr.'s Obituary
Michael James Thomas, Sr. was born to Nita and Calvin J. Thomas Sr. in Lafayette, LA on February 18, 1953. He was preceded in death by his father Calvin Sr. and his son Michael James Thomas Jr. Survived by his mother Nita Chavis, wife Inez Thomas, children Sesilia Thomas, Sophia Thomas (Anthony), Peter Lefeau (Sonya), Kong Lefeau, stepchildren Antronne and Rena Scotland, grandchildren Toby and Michael Lefeau, Jacen and Jordan Scotland, brothers John Thomas, Calvin Thomas Jr., Edward Thomas, Matthew Thomas and a host of nieces and nephews. After graduating from Hebert High School located in Beaumont, Texas, Michael joined the United States Army where he proudly served our country and retired after 20 years of service in 1992. In the military he filled many positions that allowed him to easily transition into civilian life. Michael worked as a truck driver for Sealand and then became a Corrections Officer for the Washington State Department of Corrections at McNeil Island Corrections Center. He retired in 2002. During his post military years, he continued his education receiving Associate Degrees from both Pierce College and Clover Park Technical College. As a devout Catholic he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and participated in numerous charitable activities serving both his church and his community. Michael Thomas was a great husband, proud father, grandfather, uncle and friend to all he encountered. He was a great teacher and coach that passed on his competitive spirit to his children. Michael enjoyed dancing and bowling, having once bowled a perfect 300 game, gambling, playing ping-pong, singing karaoke and shooting pool. He also enjoyed cooking and spending time with family and friends as well as working in his yard. Michael was diagnosed with cancer on March 5, 2008 and after a courageous battle he passed away on June 16, 2009 surrounded by family and friends. He will be missed by all. Viewing will be at Mountain View Funeral Home on June 24, 2009 1pm to 9pm. Funeral service, Saint Martin of Tours Parish, 2303 54th Avenue East, Fife, WA 98424 at 10am on June 25, 2009. Procession to Tahoma National Cemetery for Interment following.
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