Obituary of Mark S. Thomas

Mark passed away on August 2, 2022, at 69. He was born on November 22, 1952, in St. Louis, MO, to the union of Mary Frances Williams Thomas and Charles Thomas. At six years old, Mark and the family relocated to Ashtabula, OH, and in 1971 he graduated from Ashtabula High School and then embarked on a journey to serve our country in the United States Army. After an honorable discharge, Mark returned to Ashtabula and began his career as a Furnace Operator at True Temper. A couple of years later, he commenced a career as a Production Operator at Cristal Global, where he retired after nearly 40 years. Mark volunteered his time as a community pillar by serving food at G.O. Ministries while providing mentorship at various local churches. His persona was welcoming, presenting himself so that a five-minute conversation would make one feel like you have known each other forever. Mark was a distinguished and dapper gentleman who was always smelling and looking good from head to toe. Driving in a luxury vehicle, sports car, or customized motorcycle, wearing reptilian boots and a fashionable attire was normal for him, and he did not need a special occasion as he enjoyed the finer things of life. The lover of sports, coaching football, basketball, baseball, and wrestling was his past-times. The epitome of a family-oriented man, Mark’s son Marcus was indeed the key to his heart of hearts, and his grandsons were the perfect addition to make his heart smile. His dog Champ was indeed a man’s best friend. Mark is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Frances, father Charles, Grandmother Pearl Williams, Grandfather John Emanuel, Aunt Lucille Williams, Aunt Rebecca Gant, Aunt Virginia Williams, Uncle Majellon Williams, Uncle Columbus Williams, and Uncle Napoleon Emanuel. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his adored son, Marcus Thomas, cherished grandsons; Marcus Jr., Braylon, and Jaiden; daughter-in-law Jessica, Los Angeles, CA; son, Joshua Broyier, Andover, OH; and life-long companion, Melinda Jackson, Ashtabula, OH; six sisters, Harriett Crenshaw, Wilson City, MO; Rosalyn Moore (Denomas Jr.), Sylvania, OH; Pamela Thomas (Perry), Warrensville Heights, OH; Tammy Moss, Tyrol Cunningham, and Karen Coates, St. Louis, MO. Three brothers, Robin Thomas, Bedford, OH; Roy Thomas, Youngstown, OH; and Stephen Thomas (Jenny), Ashtabula, OH. One uncle, James Emanuel, Indianapolis, IN; three aunts, Jesceener Curry, St. Louis, MO; Theresa Rollins, St. Louis, MO; Ethel Emanuel, Linesville, PA; two nieces, Tondochan LaSylvet, Washington, DC, and Makeba Thomas, Atlanta, GA; four nephews, Tryron Hatchett, Los Angeles, CA; Phillip Thomas (Betty), Sylvania, Ohio; Tomako Hatchett, Wilson City, MO and Christopher Babcock (Kaitlyn), Ellwood City, PA and a host of cousins and friends. Friends and family will be received at the New Hope COGIC, 4313 West Ave., Ashtabula on Friday, August 12, 2022 from 5PM-8PM. Funeral service will be held Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 11:00AM at Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 W. Prospect Rd., Ashtabula, where an additional hour of calling will be observed from 10AM until time of services at 11AM. Burial will follow services at Ridgeview Cemetery. For those unable to be physically present, live streaming of the funeral service may be viewed at https://youtu.be/7e-syU8dYwQ Online guestbook and condolences available at www.ducro.com