Paul Stephen Thomas, age 74, of Coffeyville, Kansas passed away on Monday, July 24, 2023, at The Journey Home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. 

 

Paul was born on September 18, 1948, in Kansas City, Missouri, to William and Nora Thomas.  He grew up in Kansas City, Missouri where he graduated from East High School in 1966, earned a Bachelor of Science with a business minor from Rockhurst University in 1974.  In 2004 he received his Master's in Theology. He also received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Auxano University in the Philippines for work in the field of Missions Services for Prisoners in 2007.

 

In 1975 he was united in marriage to Janet Halchak.  From that union their daughter, Kira was born in 1977.

 

On April 22, 2000, Paul married Kathryn Sue (Blakey) Thomas in Overland Park, Kansas.  She preceded him in death on January 3, 2019. 

 

On July 7, 2019, he married Mary Ann (Olberding) Thomas in Coffeyville, Kansas where they made their home.  Mary Ann preceded him in death on June 6, 2022.

 

Paul worked for QuikTrip, John Hancock Insurance Company, and the IRS before he found his true calling in the Ministry.  Paul was a passionate and dedicated minister who loved sharing God's word with those around him.  His religious ministry was not just his occupation but also his calling, which he held dear to his heart.  He found immense joy in reading scriptures and sharing the wisdom they imparted.  Paul dedicated his life to serving God and his community.  As a devoted and generous servant of God, he was a beacon of faith and a pillar of strength in his community, around the world through Facebook and other social media, and at the First Assembly of God Church in Coffeyville, Kansas.

 

Paul's commitment to his faith was not just limited to his ministry.  He was also actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America, as an Eagle Scout, where he utilized his position as a leader and member to instill his strong faith and values in the young boys under his mentorship.  Paul enjoyed attending Boy Scout Camp at H. Roe Bartle Boy Scout Reservation in Osceola, Missouri where he was an active member, Sachem Little Lone Hunter Brave, of the Tribe of the Mic-O-Say for many years.

 

Surviving to cherish his memory is his loving daughter, Kira Lillie and husband, Daniel, of Lee Summit, Missouri, grandchildren, Elijah and Virginia Lillie.  He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Nora Thomas, brothers, Mack Thomas and twin newborns that died at birth. 

 

Following Paul’s wishes, cremation is to take place under the direction of David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville, Kansas.

 

A Memorial Service to Celebrate Paul's Life will be held by the family at the First Assembly of God Church in Coffeyville at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 31, 2023.  Pastor Randy DePriest will officiate.  A private family inurnment will take place at a later date. 

 

The family suggests memorial contributions can be made to Kira Lillie; these may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home 306 N. Cline Rd. Coffeyville, KS 67337. 

 

As we remember Paul, let his life of faith, dedication, and generosity inspire us all.  We invite you to share your memories of Paul and upload photos to the memorial page at www.dwbfh.com, as we celebrate and honor a life lived in service to God and others.

 

Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.

 

If you take a step of Faith, God will meet your needs.