Derek Thomas

Derek Develle Thomas was born on March 7, 1967, in Denver, Colorado to his parents, Bonnie Harrison and James Edward Thomas. He was the third child born in the family. He was raised surrounded by his sisters, Simone, Ulena, Dorchelle, and Donette. As a child, Derek enjoyed beating on pots and pans using them as drums. His mother purchased him a set of drums because he wanted to become a great drummer who played by ear. He received a number of awards for excellent ability to play the drums. Derek received his formal education by attending the Aurora Central High School. On December 20, 1999, Derek united in holy matrimony to the former Debra Ann Bolton. They first met in 1985. Marcus, Nichelle and Shanae each completed this family. The family shared many happy and precious moments together. He was later blessed with four grandchildren, Cristyle, Marquice, Monique and Freddreck, who all were an additional source of joy and pride in his life. They lovingly called him "Papa" and fondly remember him playing games, singing with them and just enjoying the quality time spent together. By profession, Derek was a Drummer, a Mechanic, and a Barber. He enjoyed cutting his nephews hair. He loved playing the different gigs and being his own boss. He was dependable and performed all his duties with a spirit of excellence. A man of faith and belief in the Lord, Derek has been a member of Genesis New Life Ministries for the past 7 years. He truly enjoyed the fellowship with his church family and wisdom and knowledge he was gaining as he studied the Bible in spirit and in truth. He believed in the power of Prayer and having the right relationship with the Lord. Derek was a fun loving man who enjoyed life and those he encircled. In his free time, he enjoyed singing, writing music and spending time with family and friends. He was a man who didn't mind lending a helping hand to others. He carried a jovial personality and had the innate ability to make others laugh. He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this kind, giving and wonderful man. To know Derek was to love him. He is preceded in death by his father, James Edward Thomas. Derek Develle Thomas departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on May 3, 2015, in Aurora, Colorado. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include his wife, Debra A. Thomas; 1 son, Marcus J. Bolton; two daughters, Shanae A. Thomas and Nichelle D. Bolton; his mother, Bonnie Harrison all of Aurora; 4 sisters, Simone C. (Bobby Joe) Carter, Denver, Ulena V. Thomas, Dorchelle (Marvin) Bolton and Donette S. (Robert) Holloway all Aurora; 4 grandchildren, Crystyle May, Marquice Jordan, Monique Robertson and Freddrick Lawrence, and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 5/13/2015 at 9:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 5/13/2015 at 11:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 3370 Ivy Street, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 5/13/2015 - Following the Service St. Simeon Cemetery - 22001 Colorado 30 Aurora, CO