Walter Leon Thomas, Jr.

Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | February 03, 2017

Walter Leon Thomas, Jr. was born on October 12, 1939 to Sallie Sills Thomas and Walter Leon Thomas in Braddock, PA. “Loss” as he was affectionately called, was reared in Whitaker, PA and attended West Mifflin Public Schools.

He worshipped at First Church of God in Christ in Braddock under the late Curtis Goodnight and the present pastor, Elder Tyrone Tilman. Walter was united in marriage to the late Carole Brooks. To this union were born two sons and three daughters. He later was married to his present, loving and devoted wife Erma Chatman Thomas (Pepe) and resided in McKeesport, PA until his passing.

Walter worked for many years as an investigator for a Pittsburgh law firm. He later opened up Hush Your Mouth Auto Parts and eventually a pizza shop as well. After retirement, Loss worked as a jitney in Homestead and in and around town. He was loved by many for his humorous personality, his generosity, his kind words and friendly smile. Most of all, we shall remember his zest for life, undying love for God, love for his family and friends, and love for God’s Word. Brother Walter Thomas, “Loss,” a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, serenely departed this life on Monday, January 30, 2017 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Oakland, PA after a long illness.

He was preceded in death by his father, the late Elder Walter Thomas, his mother, the late Sallie Thomas, and one brother, the late Elder Darrell Thomas. “Loss” leaves to celebrate his Home-going and cherish fond memories: His beloved and devoted wife Erma “Pepe” Thomas, seven children – Darrin Thomas (Millie) of New Kensington, PA, Diane Walden (David) of Union County, NJ, Danna Smith (Jay) of East Liberty, PA, Dawrin Thomas (Lavon) of North Versailles, PA, Deidre Hall (Shawn) of Pittsburgh, PA, Thyra Carter of North Carolina and Mark Perry of West Mifflin, eight siblings – Delores Southers of Pittsburgh, PA, Nathaniel Thomas (Shirley) of Detroit, MI, Rosemary
Raeford (Charles) of Penn Hills, PA, Rev. Tyrone Thomas (Rev. Judith) of Monroeville, PA, Elder Samuel Thomas of Braddock, PA, Evon Irish (Bruce) of West Mifflin, PA, Dorothy Guy (Daniel) of Penn Hills, PA, Sandra Cornelious of McKeesport, PA, 19 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and a multitude of nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws, friends and neighbors. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” (Revelation 14:13) We bow our heads in humble submission to “Thy Will Be Done, For Thine is the Kingdom, The Power, The Glory, Forever, Amen.” – submitted by The Family.

Friends will be received Monday, February 6, 2017, from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at the Trinity Church Of God In Christ, 716 Walnut Street, McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Services will will immediately follow at 12:00 pm with Bishop James Miles Foster, officiating.

Interment will follow in the McKeesport & Versailles Cemetery, McKeesport, Pennsylvania.

Arrangements entrusted to the Robert A. Waters Funeral Home, Inc., McKeesport, PA.

Originally published February 03, 2017.

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