Edward Thomas

Obituary Edward Thomas passed away on Sunday October 18, 2020 at home under the care of Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care. Edward is the son of Blanche Toney-Martin & Ben Thomas both preceded him in death. Edward was born and raised in Tucker, Arkansas by his grandmother, Georgia Criswell-Toney. Edward’s Mother, Blanche Toney married Raymond Martin, with whom Edward had a very close relationship. Edward had two siblings: Jacquelyn "Cookie" Jackson, who preceded him in death & Janice Martin both of Little Rock, AR. A very special Aunt, Selena Toney, who preceded him in death.During his early years he enjoyed helping his Grandma Georgia and Uncle Enoce Toney (very special uncle) with farming; loved riding horses, dancing and putting a smile on other's faces. Edward graduated from Tucker Rosenwald High School. And in his younger life he united with Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, located in that community. Shortly after graduation, he relocated to Kansas City, MO where he met and married his first wife, Ruby Jean Herron, who preceded him in death. He had seven children: Debra Shoates, who preceded him in death, Donna Robinson (Jimmie), Janice Spruill (Derek), Edward A. Thomas, Angela Thomas, La Tanya Lewis (Fredrick) & Marcus Thomas (Matasha). Edward has always been a hardworking man. He worked at St. Joseph Hospital and as an event server for his second job. He worked assisting with autopsies, did private bartending, and many other jobs until he was hired at Ford Motor Company in 1971. He worked for Ford for 35 years until his retirement in 2006. He also enjoyed returning to Arkansas to celebrate U.A.P.B.'s Annual Homecoming in October, in Pine Bluff and Family Reunions that his family hosted. Edward was united in marriage to Hattye Dawston in 1983 until his untimely death. To this union, he has a stepson, Darryl Dawston. They were married for 37 years. Edward was a faithful Father; his family did not want for anything. He made sure that all his children’s needs were met. He loved to work out, he would go running in Brush Creek every morning after working the overnight shift at Ford. He loved spending quality time with his children. He would take care of his family, surprise them by cutting their grass or shoveling their snow. He was a strong disciplinarian; he did not spare the rod. He taught his children right from wrong, to be respectful and to provide for their families. He set the example: If you don’t work, you don’t eat!! Edward leaves to cherish his beautiful memory, along with his children, 22 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandson and a loving niece, Kyna Jackson, cousins, other relatives, and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edward Thomas, please visit our floral store. Read More

Edward Thomas

August 24, 1938 - October 18, 2020