Nathan O. Thomas

On October 2, 1926, Nathan Otha Thomas started his journey and legacy on this earth and transitioned on December 22, 2024, at the age of 98.  He was born in Bridgeville, Delaware to the late Robert Wesley Thomas and the late Minnie Belle Pinkett Thomas, as the youngest of eleven siblings, all who preceded him in death. 

As the son of a Methodist minister, he resided and received his elementary and high school education in many areas of Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey.  He attended Salem High School in New Jersey for two (2) years, transferred to Robert Russo Moton High School in Easton, MD from where he graduated in 1944.

Nathan started attending Delaware State College in September 1944, majoring in Industrial Arts initially and then transferred to being a Sociology major with a history minor.  While at Delaware State College, Nathan was captain of the track team and ran in the University of Pennsylvania Carnival Relays.

In July of 1945, his education was interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Army Air Force.  He served in the Army Air Force first in Aberdeen, Maryland, then in Sheppardfield, Texas.  In Sheppardfield, Texas, Nathan achieved a high score on the exam that was given and was then sent to Tuskegee, Alabama.  While in Tuskegee, Corporal Nathan O. Thomas served as an Information and Education Specialist under Colonel Benjamin O. Davis with the infamous 99th Pursuit Squadron performing administrative duties and bringing vital flight information to the well-known Tuskegee Airmen.   World War II ended in 1946, and Nathan completed his military service with an honorable discharge in January 1947 and with the distinction of being an original Tuskegee Airman.  In 2019, Nathan O. Thomas was presented the Tuskegee Airmen Congressional Gold Medal by House of Representative Dwight Evans (D-PA-3rd).

Nathan returned to Delaware State College in January 1947 and resumed his studies.  He was invited by Bishop Edgar A. Love, one of the founders of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. to become a member of the fraternity and was initiated into the Psi Epsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. on May 17, 1947.  He was the last living member of the first membership intake at Delaware State College.

After graduation at Delaware State in 1950, Nathan was employed by the federal government.  His first position was with the Department of Commerce in Washington, DC.  He married Lolia Tilghman in March 1951 who he met at Delaware State College and started a family.  Later, he was employed by the United States Postal Service in Philadelphia.  He retired from the United States Postal Service in 1981.  Nathan then went on to accept a position with the Philadelphia School District.  He retired again in 1987.

First and foremost, and having five brothers and five sisters, Nathan had a love for “family”.  He, Lolia and his three children attended family gatherings and were charter members of the Thomas-Pinkett Diaspora.  This Diaspora held annual reunions in July and December for 101 years to date in various locations on the East Coast.  There was an unwritten law of his father who said of his children to always be home for Christmas.  “Nate” as he was affectionately called, would travel from Philadelphia to Delaware and Maryland to support his family members for whatever the need.  His nieces and nephews called him an Uncle “that they could always call and count on” and never have to second-guess as to whether he would be there.   

In the Philadelphia community, Nathan was a Democratic Executive Committee person for the 17th Ward, 10th Division.  Community service was important to him where he met and worked for State Representative David Cohen and later met and worked with the then State Representative Stephen Kinsey.  In conversation with Stephen Kinsey, the fact was shared that he was an original Tuskegee Airman and Stephen Kinsey escalated the need for recognition of Tuskegee Airmen. Their partnership resulted in several trips to the State capitol to lobby for a Pennsylvania Day of Recognition for Tuskegee Airmen which was achieved by legislation to be held annually on the date of March 29th.  In addition, Nathan and The Greater Philadelphia Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen received numerous awards and accolades, made several presentations and were interviewed extensively in recognition of their distinguished service.

Nathan was also a dedicated supporter of the Delaware State University Alumni.  Travelling with Lolia to Dover on numerous occasions, he always attended Homecoming, football games and other events supported by the alumni.  He was once the Grand Marshall in the Homecoming parade.  For the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter, he coordinated bus trips for area high school students to attend High School Day programs at Delaware State; arranged for their attendance at sporting events; and assisted potential students in preparing enrollment and financial aid documents. As one of three distinguished Tuskegee Airmen from Delaware State University, he also coordinated trips for students to become aware of the Aviation Program.  In coordination with The Greater Philadelphia Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, an Administration and Operations scholarship was created in his honor that is awarded to Aviation students.  A monument has also been erected for Nathan and the other two Tuskegee Airmen on the Delaware State University campus.

As a 75+ year Life member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Nathan participated extensively in support of the Fraternity’s goals and programs.  He and Lolia travelled across the country to attend conventions and district meetings.  He also participated and volunteered in the local chapter of Mu Omega in Philadelphia, Pa.

Nathan is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including: the U. S. Postal Service Outstanding Service Award (1981), the Omega Man of the Year Award, Mu Omega Chapter (1983), Certificate of Special Recognition for Service to Methodist Youth Fellowship (1993), and Certificate of Empowerment for his participation in the Million Man March (1995).

At an early age, Nathan accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior under his father’s ministry and was a steadfast member of the Janes Memorial United Methodist Church in Philadelphia PA since 1953 where he was active with the United Methodist Men, served as immediate past chairman of the Higher Education and Campus Ministry Committee, and was a former Sunday School teacher.  He also served as president and vice-president of the Oriole Historical Society, which is committed to the restoration of the first African-American Church in Oriole, Maryland.

In March 2022, he and his wife Lolia celebrated 70 years of marriage until her passing in July 2022.  Nathan leaves to mourn two daughters, Vendette Thomas and Nathania T. Johnson (Ronald) and one son Michael Thomas (Rosaura); three grand-daughters, Jennifer Dunston, Natalie Johnson and Deidre Thomas; four great-granddaughters Thailer London, Reilly London, Madison Thomas-Ferguson , Melodie Thomas-Ferguson; one great-great grandson Julius Mykel Dunston Jordan; three sisters-in-law, Mamie Price of Langhorne, PA, Joye Moody of Huntingdon Valley, PA, and Carolyn Tilghman of Lansdale, PA; and a host of many nephews, nieces and cousins.   

Lastly, as two of Nathan’s wishes upon his transition from this life to eternal life, he first wanted no funeral or memorial services and second, he wanted to sincerely thank everyone for anything that was said on his behalf, for any award that was given to him, and for any gesture of recognizing his accomplishments in this life.  His mission was to be of service to others and to always lend a helping hand. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nathan O. Thomas, please visit our floral store.