Donald Andrew "Sonny" Thomas

Mr. Donald Andrew Thomas entered into peace on July 29, 2020, at the age of 88. He lived a fulfilling, inspiring and blessed life as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a dear friend and mentor to many.

He was born January 29, 1932, in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Joseph A. and Anna (Mays) Thomas. He was their only child.

Don had an extensive academic and basketball career. He attended Public School #42 and graduated from Crispus Attucks High School in 1950. He earned his B.S. degree in Secondary Education from Indiana Central College (University of Indianapolis) in 1956. His graduate work was completed in 1960 with a Master’s Degree in Guidance Counseling and Secondary Administration from Butler University. He also attended Indiana University.

On July 29, 1953, Don was drafted into the U.S. Army, during the Korean Conflict. He was granted an Honorable Discharge on June 8, 1955 after serving two years. During his tour of duty, he played basketball for the Ft. Knox Kentucky Post Team and was a physical training instructor for the troops. In 2018, Don was selected to participate in the Indy Honor Flight to visit the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C.

On Nov. 2 1956, he entered Holy Matrimony with Phyllis M. Rochester. Together they shared 55 years of devoted love and understanding. To this union, two children were born, Derrick and Brenda. Don lost both his wife, Phyllis and his son, Derrick within two weeks of each other in 2011. Don and Phyllis were long time members of Mt. Paran Baptist Church.

Don began his distinguished professional teaching, counseling and coaching career at Crispus Attucks High School in 1957. He continued his professional career at Shortridge, Arlington, and Northwest High Schools. While coaching at Shortridge, he established lifelong personal friendships with numerous players. He officially retired from his 40-year career as an IPS educator in 1997.

While a quiet and private man, Don was involved with several organizations including: Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., The Romans Social Club, and P.O. Pluggers Bass Fishing Club. Fishing was his passion. His love and skill for the game of basketball led him to a successful coaching career and an induction into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.

Another successful and prideful accomplishment in Don’s life is his beloved family. Don loved spending quality time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It brought him great joy to be with his family on holidays, birthdays, school activities, and summer cookouts. He spent many days attending his grandchildren’s high school and college athletic events. He often shared family stories with his dear friends on the fishing boat. He loved solving cross word puzzles and watching fishing, basketball and westerns on television.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis and son, Derrick.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter Brenda Thomas Perry; daughter-in-law, Sheila Thomas; grandchildren Devin (Alicia) Thomas, Courtney Thomas, Cheyenne Perry and Ciera Perry; great-grandchildren Daxon and Willow Thomas, Mikey and Micah Harris, and Channing Perry; like a daughter, Eleanor Anderson; like a granddaughter, Erica Williams; like a great-granddaughter, Akira Walton.