Walter Thomas III, 75, of Erie, PA, went home to His Lord on Friday, December 31, 2019 at UPMC Hamot, after enduring a prolonged illness. He was born on December 28, 1944, in Erie, PA to the late Walter Thomas Jr. and Lizzie Mae Harden Thomas Gaines.

Walter was a member of New Generation Church. He was active in the community and served in various churches, preaching, ministering, and participating on multiple deacon boards.

Walter graduated from Strong Vincent High School. He joined the United States Airforce in 1963 and served in Vietnam. Walter was employed as an engineer for the Erie School District for twenty-eight years.

He was known for encouraging the youth in the community and bringing joy to the lives of others and was actively engaged in VA programs. Walter enjoyed singing, dancing, and spending time with his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Maxine Gamble; his brother, William Larry Thomas; his sister, Roberta Gaines; and his nephew, Arthur Lee Gaines.

Walter leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Mary Ann Thomas; his daughters, Stacey (Anthony) Holman, Lisa Gamble, and Tracey Isaac all of Erie, Carla Carr, Buffalo, NY, and Tiara Thomas, Florida; his sons, Larry (Yvonne) Gamble, Terry Thomas and Walter Thomas IV all of Erie; his siblings, Patricia Houston, Pelham, NY, Zechariah (Dora) Gaines, Erie, Loretta Gaines, San Francisco, CA; Reggie Rice, Debra Britt, Laverne Cotton-Diaby, Felecia Thomas Walker, Kareema Thomas and Hasib Thomas all of Boston.

The family would like to thank Walter's companion and childhood friend, Quilly Keyes, who provided care in his final years.

Friends are invited to visit with the family at First Good Samaritan AME Zion Church, 3209 Pennsylvania Avenue, on Saturday, January 11, 2020, from 10 am to 12 pm, where a service will immediately follow, with Pastor James Stapp of The New Generation Church eulogizing. Interment will be private.