The Story of Life

Arthur L. "Sonny" Thomas, 92, of Springfield, Ohio, passed away Sunday, June 21, 2026. He was born on May 11, 1934, in Piqua, Ohio, a son of Walter and Vera (Adams) Thomas. Mr. Thomas was named the first black quarterback for Piqua High School. Mr. Thomas furthered his education at Central State University, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He served his country in the United States Air Force and retired from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base as a program analyst officer after 35 years of dedicated service. Mr. Thomas was an active member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and was very involved with the Gammon House.

He leaves to cherish his memory, one son, Eric W. (Marchelle) Thomas Sr.; two daughters, Dione R. Peal and Andrea E. Mitchelle, all of Springfield, Ohio; four grandchildren, Eric W. (LaNitra) Thomas Jr., E’Chelle D. (Vaughn) Stephens, Erica M. Thomas, and Lindsey Peal; twelve grandchildren, Te’Vaun, Trinity, Tailor Stephens, Stephon and Kristian Thomas, Asia and William Moss, Lainey, Erianna and Christian Thomas, John Carter the 3rd and Ja’Khiya Renee’ Hill and three bonus great-grandchildren, Kristopher and Kristyana Harris and Aidan Stephens.

Mr. Thomas was preceded in death by his wife, Anita; parents; son, Scott L. Thomas;  brother, Elder Dew; granddaughter, Ashley Peal and son-in-law, Charles Peal.

Visitation and Funeral will be held at St. John Missionary Baptist Church on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.The funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. Pastor Ernest Brown, officiating. Burial will be held in Rose Hill Burial Park on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Final tributes are a service of Robert C. Henry Funeral Home.