Lester Thomas, Sr. was born December 15, 1916 in Columbus, Mississippi to Luiza and Julius Thomas. On August 20, 2015, Lester heard the flutter of Angels' wings and answered the Lord's call . Lester met and married Alice Tate in 1934. Their union was blessed with four children, Robert, Mary, Lester, Jr., and Bertha. After a few years, Lester moved his family to Paris, Alabama, where he found work with the railroad and in the coal mines. He also opened a café'. In 1950, the Thomas's moved to High Splent, Kentucky. Once in High Splent, Lester was lucky enough to win a brand new Willis Chrysler, which made him famous at the time for being the only black man to have a car in that town. His beloved wife Alice passed away in 1966, leaving him to raise their four children. Lester moved his children to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1966, where he found work in the construction field. He married Sarah Ann Heldabran and helped to raise her six children: Joyce, Ann, Estella, Wanda, Faye, Booker and Larry. The family enjoyed traveling and fishing and Lester enjoyed gardening - often growing the biggest cabbages you have ever seen! Lester and Sarah Ann were faithful members of The Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church of Cincinnati, Ohio. Lester moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2011, following the death of his wife Sarah, who died in August, 2011. In Minneapolis, Lester enjoyed living in his own apartment in a senior building where he enjoyed socializing with his friends and neighbors. After his health began to fail, Lester moved in with his son and daughter-in-law, Lester, Jr. and Bessie. He was later moved to Ebenezer Care Center , where his health continued to fail until the Lord called him home to Glory. Lester Thomas, Sr. lived a long, fulfilling life and will be missed by his family and friends who loved him dearly. Lester preceded in death by two wives, Alice and Sarah Ann; his son, Robert and daughter Mary; and his grandson, Byran. He leaves to cherish his memory his son Lester (Bessie) Thomas, Jr. and daughter Bertha (Skip) Johnson. He is further survived by a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; six step-children and numerous other relatives and friends. Cemetery Details Crown Hill Memorial Park 11825 Pippin Road Cincinnati, OH 45231 Visitation

SEP 4. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (ET)

Greater New Hope MIssionary Baptist Church

3655 Harvey Avenue

Cincinnati, OH 45229

Service

SEP 4. 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (ET)

Greater New Hope MIssionary Baptist Church

3655 Harvey Avenue

Cincinnati, OH 45229