Funeral service was held on January 19, 2023, at Memory Chapel of Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary, with a burial following at Miramar National Park. Final arrangements were entrusted to Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary.
Lionel was a kind, caring, and loving man who always gave the best advice. He always had a smile that lit up the room and never had a dull moment. Lionel was an avid fisherman, billiards player, gardener, car enthusiast, and traveler. He would always help others who needed a shoulder to lean on and keep them on track, whether they liked it or not.
Lionel Andre Thomas, 60, of San Diego, California, passed on December 28, 2022. He was born to Elijah Thomas and Berenice Edgerson Thomas on January 06, 1963. Lionel received his formal education in the St. Tammany Parish School System and graduated from Mandeville High School class of 1981. Lionel was a multi-sport athlete, excelling at football. He attended Southern University and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1983.
Lionel was stationed at the Long Beach Naval Base when he met Tina in 1986. He married Tina Thomas in 1988, and they lived together in San Diego, California. Lionel raised three children: Trevell Fleming (Lacombe, La), Lionel Thomas (Latisha), and Carla Thomas (San Diego, Ca). He had six grandchildren: Trevell Fleming Jr, Katie Ana Fleming, Schori Fleming, Amiah Fleming, Jocelyn Fleming, and Aniyah Scott.
Senior Chief Petty Officer Thomas served his country for 21 years in the United States Navy. He accomplished many medals and awards during his service. He made Chief in 1994 while on the USS Wabash. During his time with the Sea Bees in 1999, Lionel helped build a hospital and essential services for villages in Kenya. He was very proud of his contribution to this humanitarian mission. Lionel Honorably Retired from the Navy in 2004. Lionel later worked at the Department of Veteran Affairs San Diego as the Fleet Manager until he retired in 2022, and was passionate about affecting the most positive change in people.
Lionel leaves to cherish his memories of his wife Tina; son Lionel Jr.; daughter Carla and granddaughter (San Diego); five grandchildren (Lacombe, LA); two brothers Robert (Dorothy) Thomas and Carl (Sandra) Preston; sister Joyce Winston; aunt Gloria Edgerson; mother-in-law Arizona Woods; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Elijah and Bernice Thomas; four Brothers Ronald, Bruce, Charles and Herbert; son Trevell Fleming; and grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. He will be deeply missed by family and friends, and forever in our hearts.
