Walter Thomas

Mr. Walter Byrd Thomas, namely known as "Pokey", was the fifth child born to the late Isaiah Thomas and the late Lula Mae (Morgan) Thomas on October 29, 1937 in Elgin, Texas, Bastrop County. He attended the county public schools and graduated from Booker T. Washington in 1967. He had the opportunity to try out for the Dallas Cowboys Team, although he did not make the team, he was a true "die hard cowboy fan".Growing up with a strong Christian foundation, Pokey developed a relationship with Christ at an early age. He attended and worked faithfully at Mount Vernon A. M. E. with his Mother.Pokey was united in Holy Matrimony to Almeda Mauldin, who passed on May 27, 1999.Pokey worked with all the churches and non-profit groups of the county. He redirected the Juneteenth holiday in Elgin pushing for freedom and equal rights for all. He stepped out on faith, and became a reporter for the Elgin Courier, writing the news from the African American community. His section was named "Walter"s Corner." Pokey was a faithful member of the churches he served through the years. Being a God fearing man, Brother Walter Thomas supported all of the community churches and many of the surrounding area churches, doing what he could or allowed to do, until his health begin to fail. At the time of his death, Pokey was a faithful member of the Faith Cathedral COGIC of Elgin where the Reverend Dennis Watson is the pastor.Pokey, a lifelong resident of Elgin, journey on earth ended September 5, 2015. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife and four siblings " Rosetta, SB, Curly and David. Pokey leaves in God"s hands to share his memories: his sister, Ruby Johnson and five generations of nephews and nieces, a host of cousins, and a multitude of friends including his church family.