Dewayne Thomas

Wendell Dewayne Thomas passed away on March 31, 2022, at the age of 81 in Oklahoma City. Dewayne was a beloved Husband, Father, Papa and Great-Papa. Dewayne was born to Otis and Allie Mae Thomas on September 6, 1940 in Valliant, Oklahoma. He graduated from Valliant High School in 1958. While serving in the air Force, he met the love of his life, Laveta Werhan. They were married on December 24, 1959 and have been married for 62 years. Together they started a beautiful family with three beautiful daughters. Dewayne attended Oklahoma Christian College where he earned a masters degree in Biblical and Theological Studies. He was fluent in Greek and Hebrew. He began his life of ministry at East Main Church of Christ in Shawnee. He was later minister at North Ridge Church of Christ in Shawnee followed by 42 years as minister at Dale Church of Christ. He loved the Dale congregation and presented special messages for Christmas, Easter and his often anticipated Mother's Day sermon. Dewayne had many biblical verses that he loved reciting, but one of his favorite verses often quoted was Proverbs 17:22 - A merry heart doeth good like a medicine. Dewayne's love of history, science fiction and teaching others led him to be an educator at Bethel Public Schools where he taught English and History classes for 23 years. Dewayne had deep faith in God and constantly studied the bible. He dedicated his life to his family, preaching, teaching and counseling individuals in need. Throughout his many years of service, he touched many lives in the Dale and Shawnee communities. Dewayne was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Don Pritchett. Dewayne is survived by his loving wife, Laveta of the home; 3 Daughters: Pamela Woods and husband Roy Woods of Shawnee, OK, Tamara Thomas of Tulsa, OK and Cindy Derryberry and husband Darren Derryberry of Oklahoma City, OK; Grandchildren: Tripp and Whitney Lopez of Oklahoma City, OK, Thomas Woods of Shawnee, OK, Ty and Kassie Gaylord of Yukon, OK, Rob and Lauren Zenner of Tulsa, OK, Katie Coats of Tulsa, OK, Olivia Derryberry of Oklahoma City, OK, and Andrew Derryberry of Lancaster, California; Great-grandchildren: Lucille Jean Lopez, McKenzie, Maddyson, Brock, Blakely, and Amara Gaylord, Lorelai and Livia Zenner and Dax Coats; Sister: Norma Jean Pritchett of Valliant, OK; Niece: Rhonda Pritchett of Valliant, OK and Great Niece: Brittany Payne and her children Brady, Noah, Emma, Greyson and Raylan Hank of Valliant, Ok. Graveside Services have been set for Friday, April 8, 2022, 2:00 P.M. at Dale Cemetery with David Cannon and Roy Woods officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Dale Church of Christ, 201 Oklahoma Ave., Dale, Oklahoma 74851.