Mr. Manuel DeWitt Thomas, Sr.

His Journey: Manuel DeWitt Thomas, Sr. was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 29, 1934 to Mattie Lee Faulkner and Robert DeWitt Thomas. He was the third of seven children born of that union. He attended Claude J. Miller Elementary School in Ecorse and then Sampson Elementary in Detroit. Manuel went on to attend Cass Technical High School for blueprint reading and design. He later graduated from Chadsey High School in 1952 at the age of 18. After graduating, he hired into Ford Motor Company in 1952, where he worked for five years before being drafted into the United States Army. Manuel Sr. served two years at Fort Knox when he left the military with an honorable discharge. Manuel returned to work at Ford Motor Company, where he remained until his retirement on November 1, 2003 after 50 years of exceptional service. While working at Ford, Manuel met his future brother-in-law, Burl Vesey. It would take Manuel coming to the Vesey's house four different times for Friday prayer services before he met Christell Vesey. Eventually they married on August 30, 1958 after only knowing each other for three months. From this union was born five children: Jenean Marie (stillborn), Manuel Jr., Mark Anthony, Matthew Steven and Marlene Nicole. Manuel's work ethic can only be described as strong. Over the years he held multiple jobs at the same time. While working at Ford Motor Company, he also worked at the United Parcel Service (UPS), the Fitzgerald Company (automotive supplier) and another unnamed company as a welder. Manuel had many hobbies and interests over the years, but his first love -- was cars. He also took pride in maintaining the lawn of the family home, which he received many compliments from friends, family, neighbors and even strangers. Manuel was quiet and kind but passionate about many things: his belief in the power of education, his faith in God and family are just some of the things he truly loved. He believed that education and knowledge were the keys to the future. Manuel continued his own education as he took classes at Wayne State University which allowed him to reach the highest position possible as a tool-cutter-grinder (Honorary Engineer) at Ford Transmission Plant in Livonia, Michigan. Church was also another big part of his life. He loved the word of God. He was baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost at the Bethlehem Temple of Inkster under Elder Oscar Hayes. He instilled in all his children a strong sense of spirituality. Manuel remained married to Christell for 42 years before ending in a divorce. During his later years Manuel traveled and preached at different churches and, visited homes with a prayer partner helping others to read and understand the Bible. Manuel remarried later in his life to Irene Hickman. They were married for ten years before her passing on October 25, 2011. Manuel's last journey in life would eventually bring him back full circle to the home he built with Christell in Inkster. There he found redemption and forgiveness. Manuel's family made his final years as comfortable as possible filled with laughter, tenderness, joy and finally togetherness. Manuel DeWitt Thomas, Sr. made his transition on November 7, 2013 at Oakwood Annapolis Hospital in Wayne, Michigan in the comfort and love of his family.

Mr. Manuel DeWitt Thomas, Sr.

December 29, 1934 - November 7, 2013