Alphonso Parks Thomas

Alphonso Parks Thomas was born on February 27, 1951, in Middletown, OH to the union of Stewart and Dorothy (Black) Thomas, Sr.  He was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at home where he was surrounded by his loving family.

Alphonso grew up in the The Eleventh Avenue Church of God, where his father was a deacon and treasurer and his mom sang in the choir and also preached.  He was employed by the State of Ohio as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for 30 years until his retirement in 2002.  During his employment, he received Counselor of the Year numerous times because of his outstanding service.  He was well-loved and respected by all of his clients because he always went above and beyond to ensure they received all the services, aide and equipment to which they were entitled. For years after his retirement, prior clients would reach out to him for advice and guidance and he was always willing to offer a helping hand.

Alphonso loved to fish, play cards, gamble on football games and play chess. He was a life-long devoted and loyal Cleveland Browns fan and could always be found in his Browns attire on game day.  He loved music, specifically Motown and the Blues.

Alphonso was many things to many people and had several nicknames: “Alphie Parks”, “Alphie”, “Al”, “Phonso”, “Fonz”, “Uncle Al”, “Uncle Phonso”.  He was the rock of our family and the one everyone went to for guidance and advice.  He was the income tax, SSI, resume and job application expert and his door and home were always open. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Bettie Jo and Barbara; brothers, Simeon, Calvin, Craig, and Stewart,Jr; his father and mother-in-law James and Marilyn Eich; sister-in-law Daisy Ann Thomas; brother-in-law, David Eich; and several uncles aunts, and nieces.

He leaves to cherish his memory: loving and devoted wife, Marti (Eich) Thomas; daughters Megan Thompson and Sara (Tyree) Carroll; “adopted” son Jason (Tracy) Thomas; grandsons Kean Thomas, Ayron Thompson, Jr, Traybon and Jaydan Tillis; brother, Robert Thomas; sister Jackie Brown; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

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