John Paul Thomas

Service Details

Funeral services for John will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026, at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 1120 Grand Avenue, Racine, WI 53403. A visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery.

John Paul Thomas, 84, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026.

Born on December 4, 1941, in West Virginia, John was the son of James Thomas and Masie Thomas (née Hariston). He graduated from high school in West Virginia and was awarded a scholarship to play football at New Mexico State University, an achievement that reflected both his athletic talent and strong determination.

On February 19, 1961, John married the love of his life, Annie Thomas (née Buckley). Together they shared many years of love, faith, and devotion to their family.

John dedicated 24 years to SC Johnson, where he worked as a Line Technician. Following his retirement, he continued his life’s calling through ministry, faithfully serving for 25 years as a pastor at Starlight Outreach Ministry. His deep faith guided every aspect of his life, and he became a mentor, spiritual leader, and source of encouragement to many young men throughout the community.

In addition to his ministry work, John served as a board member for Concerned Parents for Educational Progress on behalf of Racine Unified School District. He believed strongly in education, community involvement, and helping others succeed.

John was known for his discipline and commitment to staying active and healthy. He loved working out and ran five miles a day, six days a week. He also had a wonderful sense of humor and was a natural comedian who brought laughter and joy to those around him. Above all else, John deeply loved his family. He was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, role model, and guiding presence who helped raise and shape the lives of many of his grandchildren.

John leaves to cherish his memory his children, Gwendolyn McNeil, Victor Thomas Sr., Paulette (James) Stokes, and Roshonda Thomas; grandchildren, Taron McNeil, Tavaris (Sierrah) McNeil, Ladorris Thomas, Victor (Danielle) Thomas Jr., Victoria Thomas, Cameron Thomas, Julian Thomas Sr., Antionette Thomas, Tony Thomas, Victhaja Thomas, Victavian Thomas, Isaiah Thomas, Martika Stokes, Darian Stokes, Anterio (Lorena) Stokes, Sharlissa Stokes, Ciera McClain, and Calvin McClain; great-grandchildren, Lonnie, Amilliano, Julian Jr., Alexandria, Allison, Carolina, Cario, Samera, Layla, Jayden, Shatorria, Zontell, Jermiaha, Quincy, Ella, Lex, Zamiyah, Serenity, Shelton, A’Mare, Mila, Devonte Jr., Ke’Leyah, Ke’Niyah, Elijah, Malakai, Levi, and Taron Jr.; siblings, James Morris (Alfreda) Thomas Jr. of Dumfries, Virginia, Bernice E. Oates of Racine, Wisconsin, and Maisie Frances (John) Glover of Columbus, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Annie Thomas; his parents, James and Masie Thomas; and his sisters, Lavonia Elizabeth Thomas Nazel, Eleanor Smith Ruth Ann Johnson.

Funeral services for John will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026, at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 1120 Grand Avenue, Racine, WI 53403. A visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery.