John Thomas

JONESBORO – John Christian Thomas, 49, of Jonesboro died Friday morning at St. Bernards Medical Center.

Born January 23, 1962, to Jacqueline Waters and Delgin Andrews in Phoenix, Arizona and adopted by John and Louise Thomas on March 26, 1962.

He grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, attended Overton Performing Arts High School in Memphis and graduated from C.E. Donart High School, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He attended Phillips University in Enid, OK, Oklahoma State University – Stillwater, and Arkansas State University – Jonesboro.

He was an Eagle Scout, a member of the Order of the Arrow, a member of the Big River Clan of the Memphis Tia Piah Society, and held a full head right in the Pima Nation. He was a member of Highland Drive Christian Church.

He worked for the Arkansas Archeological Survey for many years. He was well known in this area doing presentations for schools, universities, and other organizations on Northeast Arkansas History and Native American Culture.

He is survived by his parents, John and Louise Thomas, his daughter, Shawn Autumn Thomas, a sister and brother-in-law, Susannah and Mike Dethrow, a niece, Sheridan Dethrow, and numerous close friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday afternoon at Highland Drive Christian Church with the Rev. Debra Matthews, Pastor of Highland Drive, and Jerry Hunt, Headsman of the Memphis Tia Piah Society, officiating. Visitation will follow in the Fellowship Hall.

The family would like to express a special thanks to Drs Michael Mackey, James Fletcher, and Clay Moseley, and to Daniele Greeno and Holly Richards.

In lieu of flowers, please consider Helping Neighbors Food Panty, PO Box 19182, Jonesboro, AR 72403, or the charity of your choice.