wfn.org | ABCUSA: Theo Thomas, Active ABCUSA Layman, Dies

["SCHRAMM, Richard" <Rich.Schramm@abc-usa.org>]

American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa. 10/12/04)--Theo W. Thomas,
an active layman in local, regional and national American Baptist life, died
yesterday.  Thomas, 70, recently had been diagnosed with a recurrence of
cancer.  

Thomas was a member and deacon at Second Metropolitan Baptist Church in
Cleveland.  He also was active in the Cleveland Baptist Association, and
served three terms as CBA president from 2001 to 2004.	At the time of his
death Thomas was a member of the CBA's Board of Trustees and Department of
Finance.

In 1999 Thomas completed eight years as a representative of the American
Baptist Churches USA General Board and of the Board of National Ministries.
He served on the ABCUSA World Relief Committee and on the BNM Executive
Committee, Human Resource Subcommittee, Mission Development Committee and
Vision and Mission Clarification Subcommittee. 

Thomas recently participated in the Seek It Summit this June in Green Lake,
Wis.  

"Perhaps most significantly of all," noted CBA staff member Jim Oldham, "he
was a good friend to so many of us, especially the CBA staff, and a model of
Christian character, decorum, charity and commitment at all times, with all
people, and in all circumstances."

"Deacon Theo Thomas lived life as a faithful ambassador of Jesus Christ,"
said National Ministries Executive Director Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins
III. "He brought enthusiastic dedication and determination to his service on
the Board of National Ministries. We will miss his encouraging presence and
voice."

While arrangements are not yet complete, the funeral service is tentatively
scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, at Second Metropolitan Baptist
Church, 2424 E. 79th St., Cleveland.  

Condolences may be sent to Theo Thomas' wife, Leathice, and family at 324
Manchester Ct., Richmond Heights, OH 44143.

K/2004ABNS/04ABN118

American Baptist News Service: Office of Communication, American Baptist
Churches USA, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851; (800)ABC-3USA x2077
/ (610)768-2077; fax: (610)768-2320; www.abc-usa.org;
richard.schramm@abc-usa.org