Obituary

Lester “Red” Thomas

February 6, 1927 – May 16, 2024

Lester “Red” Thomas, age 97 and of Sandy Hook, MS, passed away Thursday, May 16, 2024 at the Asbury Hospice House in Hattiesburg, MS. He was born Sunday, February 6, 1927 in Sandy Hook, MS to the Late Thad and Jeanette Thomas. 

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife Katie Merle Thomas; daughter Tammy Thomas; brothers Berlie Thomas and Dan Thomas; sister Elsie Kennedy; and son-in-law Mike Breland.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Carson Springs Baptist Church,  10 Thad Road, Sandy Hook, MS and also on Sunday, May 19, 2024 from 2:00 PM until service time at 3:00. Burial will follow in Carson Springs Cemetery. Bro. Blake McDaniel, Bro. Bo Walker, and John Talley will officiate. Hartman Hughes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

Mr. Thomas was a longtime member and deacon of Carson Springs Baptist Church. He was a World War II veteran who served in the Coast Guard. His brothers were already in the war and he enlisted right before his 18th birthday. He served as a Seaman 1st class during his time in the military. Red, as he was known by many, had a great memory and loved telling stories to his family and friends. If you knew him you know he had a strong work ethic to make sure his family was taken care of. He worked and retired from Crown Zellerbach in Bogalusa, Louisiana. The man took a few breaks and would work from can till can’t and then some.  He believed in taking care of those he loved including his mother, father, and his first wife when they were down. He loved his family and friends and would take care of the people in his community by providing fresh vegetables for them from his garden. He was a great man and will be missed by all that knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Ann Branch Thomas;  son, Hal Thomas (Jeanne);  daughter, Jennifer Breland;  grandchildren, Thad Thomas (Jennifer), Joe Breland (Joy), Tye Breland (Andrea), Summer Smith (Chris), Kayla Broome, and Josh Thomas; 13 great grandchildren; and one soon to be great great granddaughter; along with a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and loving family.

Pallbearers will be Thad Thomas, Joe Breland, Tye Breland, Josh Thomas, Gage Breland, and Chris Smith.