Maurice Eugene Thomas, a navy veteran and lifelong resident of Kansas, died accidentally on Sunday July 5th at the age of 54.
Maurice leaves to cherish his memory: daughters Tashawna Thomas, 34, and Shakerah Thomas, 29, granddaughter Carliyah Evans, 14, brother Lester Thomas, sister Tamasha Foster, 1st Ex-wife Kelly Thomas, mother of his daughter Tashawna, Shirley Thomas, mother of his daughter Shakerah, 2nd ex-wife and love of his life and soul-mate Phyllis Wilson-Thomas as well as a host of nieces, nephews as well as his dog, Lady Lily. Maurice is preceded in death by his parents Joyce A. Foster and Charles Allen both of Kansas City, KS, his step-father Leonard Foster as well as his aunts and uncles on his mother’s side.
He was born in Kansas City, KS at Bethany Medical Center Hospital on December 13, 1965 to Joyce A. Foster and Charles Allen. He graduated from F.L. Schlagle high school class of 1984. The following year Maurice enlisted in the US Navy July 25, 1985 serving active duty until February 17, 1993; he was honorably discharged then served 4 more years in the US Navy Reserves. During his time he earned a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (1 Star).
Maurice was an avid angular who loved catching catfish in particular which he called the “Big Daddies”. Maurice was also a sports fanatic; following the KU Jayhawks, KC Chiefs, KC Royals, and Sacramento Kings. He claimed there was “no bigger fan in the land” and that he bled “red and blue”, “Hello Dice, you better ask somebody, rolling 7 and 11”. He confessed his belief in Christ at a young age and was baptized at Pleasant Green Baptist Church in KCK. At the time of his passing, he was a member of Ninth Street Missionary Baptist Church here in Lawrence, KS. His favorite book of the bible was Matthew, in particular The Lord’s Prayer; he cared for his brothers and sisters in Christ and so always prayed for them. Maurice’s smile, laughter, humor and his love for life, family and sports will be greatly missed. We thank him for his service to this country and his love for God and his creations.
A viewing will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home 601 Indiana Street Lawrence. KS on Saturday July 18th, 2020 from 3:30pm-5pm. Interment at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery TBD.
Memorial contributions may be made to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
