Pastor Aaron Miguel Thomas, Sr., pastor of Unity Missionary Baptist Church in Brookport, Illinois, was a man who lived life to the fullest. He took advantage of every moment to laugh, engage with others, and help whomever he passed along life’s journey. On Sunday, October 5, 2025, he drew his last breath and went home to be with his Lord and Savior.
Pastor Thomas was born on March 15, 1974, in Dallas, Texas, to the late J.T. Thomas and Willa Tate Walker. At the time of his passing, he had accumulated 51 years, 6 months, and 21 days of life on earth. After graduating from East High School in Columbus, Ohio, he joined the United States Air Force and served his country with pride and humility. His last place of employment was with Paducah Power System, where he served as a warehouse manager.
Pastor Thomas embraced life with great enthusiasm. Whether he was preaching, praising, or dancing; he always gave his full attention. He was known for going above and beyond for everything and with everyone he encountered and an avid fan of both the Dallas Cowboys and the Ohio State University football team.
Before accepting the call to pastor at Unity, Aaron was formerly a member of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Paducah. Under the call to ministry and guidance from Reverend Dr. Calvin Cole, Sr., he was licensed to preach as an associate minister. At Mount Moriah, Aaron was actively involved with the Men’s Ministry and the Youth Department.
As the spiritual head of his family, his passion and drive to protect, provide, and nurture extended beyond traditional modes of thought. He was not ashamed to let others know where he stood when it came to security for his family. An example of that is when he wore a t-shirt labeled “security” as he escorted his daughter to the prom. He loved people, and he never missed an opportunity to let others know how much he adored, loved, and respected his family, especially his wife.
Preceding him in death were his father, J.T. Thomas, and his father-in-law, Reverend Donald Topp.
Left behind to cherish special, precious memories of Pastor Aaron are his Wife, Donna Harris Thomas of Paducah, KY; Seven Children, Aaron Miguel Thomas, Jr. of Columbus, OH, Christopher White, Jr. of El Paso, TX, David Amar Thomas of Minnesota, Jaxson Elias Thomas of Paducah, KY, Miah Elaine Thomas of Columbus, OH, Ava Marie Thomas of Paducah, KY, and Khristan De’Jhoria White of Louisville, KY; Two Grandsons, Giovanni Thomas of Columbus, OH and Christopher White III of El Paso, TX; his Mother, Willa (Horace) Walker; Three Sisters, Katherin Nicole McReynolds, Quiana (William) Stephens, and Elizabeth (Lamar) Mayo, ; One Brother, Marc (Lynette) Thomas all of Columbus, OH; Mother-in-Law, Regina Topp; Sister-in-Law, Avis Harris, both of Paducah, KY; Brother-in-Law, Kevin (Shalonda) Harris of Louisville, KY; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2025, 12:00 p.m. at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Paducah with Reverend Calvin R. Cole Sr. and Reverend Rodney Hill officiating.
The family will receive friends on Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour
Burial will follow on Monday, October 20, 2025, 1:00 p.m. in Mound City National Cemetery in Mound City, IL.
The services will be live streamed beginning at 11:50 a.m. Pettus Rowland Facebook Page at pettusrowlandfh.com.
You may leave online condolences at pettusrowlandfh.com.
