Frank Dan Thomas III

On May 27, 1949, Frank Dan Thomas III was born in Houston, Texas, to Frank Dan Thomas Jr. and Mary Evelyn Thomas. He was their only child. Much of his childhood was spent with his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Tommie Humber and his cousin, Emmitt Bryant, who was more like a brother.

Frank attended Atherton Elementary School, E.O. Smith Junior High School, and graduated from Phyllis Wheatley Senior High School as a member of the accelerated Class of 1967. While at Wheatley, he was one of the school's first tennis players. Music was another lifelong passion. A gifted trumpet player, Frank, earned first-chair honors throughout junior high and high school. His love of music continued at Florida A&M University, where he proudly performed as a member of the university band. Jazz remained one of his greatest joys throughout his life.

Frank was a man who believed in hard work and took pride in everything he did. A skilled carpenter by trade, he devoted many years of service to the University Health Science Center Harris County Psychiatric Center, where he retired as Assistant Director of Facilities Management. His craftsmanship, leadership, and quiet dedication earned the respect of everyone who worked alongside him.

Outside of work, Frank found happiness in life's simple pleasures. He enjoyed fishing, was an avid golfer, and treasured traveling with his family. One of the greatest highlights of his life was fulfilling a lifelong dream of visiting Machu Picchu in Peru in July 2014—a trip that created memories he cherished forever.

On December 17, 1994, Frank married the love of his life, Barbara Baldwin. Together they built a marriage that spanned thirty-one years, grounded in love, faith, and unwavering commitment. In 2010, they joyfully expanded their family by adopting their daughter, Tommia Rayna Thomas, who became one of the greatest blessings of his life.

Most importantly, Frank was a man of faith. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at an early age. Throughout his life, he faithfully worshipped at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where he was very active in the youth ministry and later at Mt. Horem Baptist Church before becoming a devoted member of Brentwood Baptist Church in 1995.

Frank had a calm, easygoing spirit that drew people to him. He was a man who listened more than he spoke, kept confidences, and could always be trusted with a personal conversation. His quiet strength, wisdom, and gentle nature made him someone family and friends could always depend on.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents.

He leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his precious memory his devoted wife of thirty-one years, Barbara Thomas; his beloved daughter, Tommia Thomas; his son, Marcus Cormier; his stepdaughters, Yvette Navy (Clint, who loved and respected Frank as a father) and Dashaunda Richardson; his cherished step-granddaughters, Cadence and Casey (who could do no wrong in his eyes) Richardson; along with his aunt Rhonda Coleman, cousins, in-laws, and many dear friends whose lives were forever touched by his kindness, wisdom, and quiet presence.

Though Frank's earthly journey has come to an end, the love he shared, the lessons he taught, and the memories he created will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His legacy is one of faith, humility, love, and unwavering devotion to his family. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.