Funeral Services will be celebrated for Deacon Jesse Thomas of Coushatta, LA on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 11:00 a. m. at the New Hope #1 Baptist Church of Hanna, LA. Burial services will follow in the church's cemetery. A wake service will be convened at the church on the preceding Friday evening from 6 - 8 p. m. World War II Veteran and Soldier of Jesus Christ Gone but Not Forgotten Jesse Thomas, Sr., 92, died Wed., May 11 at Green Meadow Nursing Home. Family & Friends Visitation is Fri., May 20 at New Hope Baptist Church from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The funeral will be Sat., May 21 at 11:00 a.m. at the New Hope Baptist Church # 1 in Hanna, Bro. Tommy Davis, Pastor. The Repast will be at Lake End Family Life Center next door to St. Paul Baptist Church Hwy.1-Lake End. He was born Dec. 15, 1918, to Elizabeth Caldwell and Charley Thomas. He married the Late Mary M. Williams Thomas in March 1947. To this union 8 sons and 3 daughters were born. Three (3) children preceded him in death, His eldest son, Jesse Thomas, Jr., Robert Thomas, Sr., and Vera Thomas Hickman. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Oct. 28, 1942. He served in the Army 25th Infantry as an Auto Rifleman-746 in World War II. He was the recipient of the American Theatre Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, ASWAT-C-Pacific Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, World War II Victory Medal. He and his wife were always active and involved with projects to better our parish. He was known as the neighbor counselor to young and old, who came to him for advice. He served as a faithful member of the New Hope B.C. #1 for 57 years until his death. He loved his church and was committed as Chairman of Deacons. He leaves to celebrate his life: 2 sisters, Willie Mae Jones (Texas), Ruth Grant (Oklahoma) 1 brother, Walter Grant, (Alabama); 9 Children, Cruger Thomas of Shreveport; James Thomas of Mansfield; Nancy Thomas Webber (Jessie), Charley Thomas (Bobbie), Jacob Thomas, Sammy Thomas (Essie), Charlotte Thomas Taylor (Johnny) of Coushatta; Donald Thomas of Texas; Lester Thomas (Betty) of Georgia; 59 grandchildren, 67 great-grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild, and a host of nephews, nieces relatives and friends. 1 brother, Herman Grant preceded him in death. Funeral Arrangements by Winnfield Funeral Home in Natchitoches, To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deacon Jesse Thomas, please visit our floral store.