The Reverend Roger Clarke Thomas

The Reverend Roger C. Thomas, Sr., 85, of Lower Burrell, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, with his loving family by his side.

In the remote mountains of Western Pennsylvania, on the north side of Pittsburgh, a baby boy was born on October 9, 1939, to Reverend James J. and Bernice Stodgill Thomas.  He grew up in Lincoln Beach in Upper Burrell, attended Upper Burrell Elementary School and Ken-Hi.  Pastor Thomas grew up in a family with strong morals and a strong work ethic.  These qualities were the foundation of the family household.  At an early age, Pastor Thomas’ leadership abilities had already begun to be evident.  He developed an attitude to do his best, work hard, and complete the job while learning many things in his father’s construction business.  Pastor Thomas was a great athlete and had a God-given gift to play sports, especially baseball.  At a very early age, he had a passion for playing baseball and played for eight different teams at the same time.  They named him “Rabbit” because he ran exceptionally fast. The church team that he played on, called the Ravens, came in second place in the state of Pennsylvania.  Many thought he would eventually play professional baseball, but God had other plans for his Chosen vessel.  He met and married Barbara Ann Lyle who he lovingly called “My Girl.”

Pastor Thomas accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, February 1964 along with his wife. They attended the Gospelite Outreach Ministry where he was an Associate pastor. They also attended the Kathryn Kuhlman Ministry. In 1972 he and his family moved to Carlisle, Pennsylvania. While there, Pastor Thomas was a foreman at PPG Industries Work 6. He and his family did evangelistic work by spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ in song and in Word. Many people’s lives were changed. Pastor Thomas had a burning passion to win souls for Christ. His motto was to “Win the lost at any cost.”   His last words to his church were, "The Best Is Yet To Come!"

Pastor Thomas was ordained by the Evangelical Church Alliance in 1978 and he and his wife, Minister Barbara Ann Lyle Thomas went on to co-found the Abundant Life Fellowship in Christ Church in New Kensington.  He also served as chaplain of the Arnold Lions Club.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Minister Barbara Ann Lyle Thomas,  five children, Sonya R. (Jay) Thomas-Browne of Carlisle, Roger Thomas Jr., of Oakmont, Stephen L. Thomas of Arnold, James J. (Dana) Thomas of Lower Burrell and Christine (Clifford) Guy of Arnold; six granddaughters, Jenel (Willie) Laney, Jamica, Jovanna, and Jenna Browne, Danielle and Brittany Thomas; grandson Stephen L. Thomas, Jr.;  three great-grandchildren, Jaylon, Saniah, and Jacob Laney; and siblings, Anthony (Karen) Thomas, Velma (Otis) Bennett and Harriett Houser; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Besides his parents, Pastor Thomas was preceded in death by his brother, Willie B. Thomas, his sister, Dorothy Ruth Thomas, and a granddaughter, Brooklyn Thomas.

Viewing will be on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM in ROSS G. WALKER FUNERAL HOME LTD., 217 Freeport Road, New Kensington.  A funeral service will be held Wednesday, November 6 at 11AM in Abundant Life Fellowship in Christ Church, 884 Kenneth Avenue, New Kensington.  Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the church would be appreciated. 

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