Joel Christopher Thomas
May 6, 1964 to June 30, 2018
Joel Christopher Thomas went to be with the Lord at the age of 54 on June 30, 2018, after a sudden six-day illness. It seems like only yesterday that he was here with us. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in Jesus Christ continue to be an abiding source of comfort. Joel will be forever missed by all who knew and loved him. It's just not the same without his larger-than life presence. He was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on May 6, 1964. He was a loyal son, brother, and friend and lived his life consumed by making others happy. In all respects, Joel was a big man: a big picture thinker, a big giver, and a tender heart larger than he, himself. He earned the cherished title of "the 'funnest' uncle," the one you really, really wanted to be with...snuggling up on that big lap of his. This was lived out by the treasured place reserved for him, and only him in the hearts of his nieces and nephews with his childlike vulnerability and willingness to be downright silly.
Of lesser importance, at least to him, was the fact that Joel was a highly successful businessman, researching, creating, innovating and launching many successful businesses. He mentored and inspired countless people over the years who went on to become highly-accomplished themselves. To Joel, though he undoubtedly enjoyed making money, it was just a yardstick; he took far greater pleasure in validating his ideas, his vision, ever forging a new business model and inspiring others to become part of his brigade. Joel was the ultimate entrepreneur: bright, intuitive, fearless, doggedly persistent, possessing boundless energy and unwavering confidence that he was right and knew exactly what he was doing, even if others didn't yet comprehend it. Ever the Renaissance Man, Joel loved life’s diversity: like classical icons as The Three Tenors, Frank Sinatra, classic black & white movies, hot air balloons, English bulldogs, fast Porsche 911's, iced tea (with extra ice and lemon), monopoly, holding hands, hanging out with his nieces and nephews (who competed intensely for phone visits with Uncle Joel's virtual zoo animals – especially “George” and “Dave”). He loved asking deep, thought-provoking theological questions about God, faith and the Bible. Close personal relationships and genuine real-life experiences were of supreme importance to Joel. Paradoxically, he had an uncanny appreciation for the little things in life that most of us just seem to overlook, and despite his age, he never ceased to have a charming sense of innocence and wonder mixed with an insatiable curiosity to experience the world around him. "Carpe diem" was coined for Joel Thomas. In fact, he was a seasoned world traveler, often, on the spur of the moment, unselfishly taking friends and family with him to cities and countries all over the world. Joel was blessed with a deeply devoted family, having special and uniquely-fashioned relationships with each one. He was so tenderly, compassionately and sensitively loved by all. Joel, we hope you know how much your Mom, your Dad, your sister, your brothers, your nieces and nephews, your aunts and uncles, your cousins and enumerable friends who love you and miss you terribly. We look longingly and expectantly for that day of heavenly reunion when we're all together with you again.
We Will Love You, Joel, Forever and Always. Your Devoted Family