Brother John Dell Thomas was born on July 1, 1959 to Mrs. Jessie Mae Thomas-Mannings & Mr. Windell Thomas in Shreveport, Louisiana. John Dell confessed Christ at an early age at Friendship Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Richard Kessee. He was reared in the church under the direct guidance of his beloved grandmother Girtrue "Ma Dear" Taylor who preceded him in death. John had a great love and multiple talents when it came to music and he displayed it throughout his life in his schools, many churches, and his home. His voice could be heard on numerous Sundays while playing the drums for Friendship Baptist Church, he loved singing with the male chorus and was recently voted in as the president of the chorus. He took these tasks with great pride and served faithfully until the end. John also served his country in the United States Army in which he shared some proud moments with family and friends. John departed this life and entered eternal rest on April 28, 2008 at Natchitoches Regional Medical Hospital. John leaves his family to celebrate his life: his loving wife of 12 years Laura Thomas, the joys of his life, his children John Dell Thomas, Jr. (JJ), Charles Michael Dewayne Thomas, and Rebekkah Rose Thomas. His mother Jessie Mae Mannings & stepfather Arthur, his father Windell Thomas, 1 aunt Mary Lee Taylor all of Natchitoches, sister-in-law Sarah Lakey of Benton, 5 brothers Michael Thomas and wife Debra, and Kenneth Thomas and wife Ethel all of Houston TX, Jimmy Thomas, Deemetrick Thomas, and Eric Taylor all of Natchitoches, LA. He also leaves 6 sisters, Freida Pitts and husband Shaun, and Deetrice Thomas all of Richardson, TX, Alsena Demery and husband Elbert, Jessica Berry and husband Michael, Youlanda Ratliff and husband Eddie, Sr., and Sonietta Davis all of Natcitoches, LA, 3 godchildren Danielle Thomas, Louis "Fugger" Yeargin, and Demond Smith. Also left to cherish his memory are two step-brothers; Marcus Jones & Chris Jones of Alexandria, LA; eight aunts, Mary Taylor, Eddie B. Raymond (Frank), Virginia Pierce (Cleveland), Sandra Antee (Wayne), Mary Thomas, all of Natchitoches, Della Sawyer and Millie Mae Pierce (Lodis) both of Houston, TX and two uncles; LuGean Brooks of Las Vegas, CA and Roy Thomas of Natchitoches. He also leaves his right hand at the FBC Music Team Montrell Thomas, his nephew, and Stanley Bobb (Bena) cousin and best friend, 14 nephews, 12 nieces, 8 great nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives, and friends. The family will receive friends Friday evening, May 2, 2008 from 6:00pm til 9:00pm at Friendship Baptist Church, 1415 Bivens Street. Celebration services will be held Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 11:00am at Friendship Baptist Church with interment to follow at Lawrence Serenity Sanctum. Arrangements under the direction of Aulds Funeral Home of Shreveport, LA