Clarence D. Thomas Sr.

Clarence D. Thomas, Sr., of Merrillville, Indiana, passed away on February 1, 2024. He was born on June 10, 1948, to the late Lanella Henderson. Clarence graduated from Roosevelt High School in Gary, Indiana. He joined the United States Navy in 1967 and served his country for 6 years. Clarence married the love of his life, Bessie Mae Law, on December 16, 1967. They had 3 children; Clarence D. Thomas, Jr. ("CJ"), Lisa Thomas and Angelia Derico.

Clarence was the type of person who everyone loved and they loved his stories. Clarence had a story for everything from meeting his long time friends, Major Moore and Joel Taylor ("Hopper"), EJ&E Railroad to the EMA of Merrillville, to when he was growing up as a child in Gary with a very stern mother and when he was saved by his, "Roe", Bill Coes from the blizzard of 1967. Even though he was a "straight shooter" and told things you did not want to hear, he was a true "softy" and would do anything for you.

Clarence had nicknames for everyone who touched his life... some good and some bad. He did not like people to make a fuss over him, but when it came down to his health and losing his precious angel Bessie, he finally had to realize he had a family unit that would do anything for him.

Clarence is survived by his children, Clarence D. Thomas, Jr.- CJ (Jennifer), Lisa Thomas- Lou-Lou (Dwight Rodgers, Sr.), and Angelia Derico-Babygirl (Eric, Sr. -Ricky Ticky) ; his grandchildren; Loreal Thomas- LoLo, Johnny Perkins, III-PP, Eric Derico, Jr.-Moose, Jasmine Derico-Jazz Minacans-Ladybug, Jalen Perkins-J Dawg (Emily Clare), and Kiera D. Lee-Lee-Lee; brothers, Wade Henderson-Tootsie (Minell), Danny Henderson- Danny Hound, and Chester Henderson- Groovy (Beverly Duckett); and a host of great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and great friends. He was a great provider for his family !

He is preceded in death by his precious angel, Bessie Mae Thomas; mother, Lanella Henderson; sister, Betty Ann Evans; brother, Carl Givens- Chief (Jennifer); brother-in-law, Larry Evans.  WE WILL TRULY MISS "OUR HERO".

Visitation will be Saturday, February 10, 2024, 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Military Honors will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. with Homegoing Services at 11:00 a.m. at Ridgelawn Funeral Home 4201 West Ridge Road Gary, Indiana 46408.

Contributions can be made in honor of Clarence D. Thomas, Sr., to Homes For Our Troops 6 Main Street Taunton, MA. 02780.

The service will be live streamed.  Please copy the link below and paste in a web browser.

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcwNzMzNDM3MzI5NDYxMSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

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