ST. TAMMANY PARISH, LA. Obituary for: THOMAS, DANIEL FRANKLIN Submitted by: Louis Lavedan. Source: Honaker Funeral Home, Sdlidell, La. Died: Saturday March 25, 2017 ======================================================================= Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgenweb.org/volunteers/copyright.shtml ======================================================================= THOMAS, DANIEL FRANKLIN March 25, 2017 ========== A photo is available for this file. Please go to http://usgwarchives.net/la/sttammany/obits/dateobits/2017/st1703.htm and click to view list of photos. ========== Daniel "Danny" Franklin Thomas, of Slidell, LA, passed away peacefully on Saturday March 25, 2017 at the age of 75, surrounded by his family. Danny is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ellen Cornelius Thomas, daughter, Christy Thomas Hollenbeck (Eddy), son, Kevin Thomas (Jill), daughter, Leslie Thomas Gates (Brian), all of Slidell, sister, Marilyn Thomas, of Huntsville, Alabama, nine grandchildren, Jordan Hollenbeck, Kaitlyn Godin, Brittany Thomas, Courtney Hollenbeck, Madison Thomas, Devin Gates, Brice Gates, Carly Gates, of Slidell, Brayden Thomas, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and three great- grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, James Emil Thomas and Virginia Daniel Thomas, and his brother, James William Thomas, of Huntsville, Alabama. Danny was born in Corning, New York on July 24, 1941. He spent most of his childhood and the early part of his adult years in Huntsville, Alabama, graduating Huntsville High in 1959 and attending Auburn University. WAR EAGLE! Danny has been a resident of Slidell for 44 years. He has also been a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for the same amount of time, serving in various positions, including Deacon and Elder. He was a missionary for the "Dos Amigos" medical/dental mission in the jungles of Belize 2001-2004. He loved his Church, and although his illness didn't allow him to attend towards the end, his faith in God still remained strong. He was accepted into the Free Masons in 1983, at Slidell Lodge 311, and has served in positions throughout the Blue Lodge, Knights Templar, Red Cross of Constantine and many other orders. He took so much pride in being a Mason, and reached his goal of Grand Commander for the State of Louisiana (Knights Templar) in 2008-2009. He also served his Country for 37 years in the United States Army Reserves, traveling the world. He was a Gulf War veteran and retired as a CW4. Two of his children and his grandson followed in his Army footsteps. He would brag about his "Army family" often. Danny was a Technical Writer for over 40 years. He loved Auburn football, country music, yard work, cars, cowboy boots, and bonfires. He flew Old Glory every day of his adult life. He worked hard until he was no longer able and loved his family until his last breath. Funeral Services will be held at the First Christian Church 102 Christian Lane, Slidell, LA on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. Visitation at the church 11:00-12:45 with Temple Guard and Masonic services at 12:45 p.m. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Knights Templar Eye Foundation 1033 Long Prairie Rd. Suite 5, Flower Mound, TX 75022 US Army ===================