Dr. John Evans Thomas
June 17, 1937 – January 19, 2026

Dr. John Evans Thomas was born on June 17, 1937, in Beaumont, Texas, the second son of Cleveland R. Thomas Sr and Ruby Evans Thomas. He was preceded in death by his beloved father, Cleveland R. Thomas Sr; his devoted mother, Ruby Evans Thomas; and his brother, Cleveland R. Thomas Jr (Wife: Maxine Thomas)

He is survived by his cherished nephew, Donald James "DJ" Thomas Sr (wife: Jacqueline); great nephews, Donald James "DJ" Thomas, Jr. (wife: Allison) and Steven James Thomas (wife: Makenzie), and devoted cousin Hazel Riley (husband: Kenneth) who continue his legacy of love and service.

Affectionately known as "Bur," Dr. Thomas grew up in a warm, Christian home where kindness, discipline, and service to others were daily lessons. Those early values shaped the man he became—steady, compassionate, and deeply committed to lifting others.

He earned degrees from Prairie View A&M College, Boston College, and Wayne State University, where he completed both his Education Specialist and Doctor of Education degrees.

Dr. Thomas 44‑year career in education included pioneering work in Detroit as a mobility specialist for blind and multiply‑impaired children. His research and methods were published in several respected journals.

In 1978, he joined Grambling State University, where he served as professor, mentor, and leader. He was promoted to full professor in 1983 and later honored as Professor Emeritus. In 1984, he was named Outstanding Teacher of the Year. He helped develop special education certification programs, contributed to graduate curricula, and served on the founding board of the Louisiana Education Consortium.

Dr. Thomas was active in the Faculty Senate, often chairing Promotion and Tenure, and he represented Grambling in the Common Ground Consortium with the University of Minnesota.

A man of deep faith, Dr. Thomas served in several churches throughout his life and became a devoted member of May's Chapel C.M.E. Church, where he supported benevolent and missionary work.

He held life memberships in the NAACP and alumni associations of Prairie View A&M and Wayne State University, and he remained active in civic and humanitarian organizations.

Dr. Thomas leaves behind a legacy of service, scholarship, and compassion. His life reflected his favorite scripture, Galatians 6:9–10: "Let us not be weary in well doing…"