Michael Vaden Thomas

With deepest sorrow, we announce that Michael Vaden Thomas, 35, of Lynchburg, Virginia passed away suddenly on April 9, 2023.  While family and friends are saddened, we are grateful to have known him.  His kind spirt, his unique sense of humor, and his beautiful smile will always be remembered by those fortunate to have known him. Those who knew him knew that this quote would fit him perfectly because he always made an impression-“What we do in life echoes in eternity.” — Maximus Decimus Meridian.
 
Michael was born in Roanoke, VA to Tana and Mike L. Thomas on May 2, 1987.  After graduating from Patrick Henry High School, Michael attended Virginia Western Community College and was then offered a position at Southern Air in Lynchburg.  He served as a water filtration specialist for many years. He then accepted a job at Water Chemistry, Inc., first as a Service Technician and then as Account Manager. More recently, he worked at Flowers Baking Co where he worked as a Level II Tech Engineer. 

Michael possessed many talents at an early age, along with his whacky sense of humor.  He was artistic, and he loved to read and write.  After discovering Calvin and Hobbes, he wanted every Calvin and Hobbes in the collection and even named his two goldfish Calvin and Hobbes. He later befriended a squirrel in Highland Park, named him Fred, and kept him safe in his pocket. His favorite movie during middle school was “Gladiator,” and he loved the sound track as well. 

Michael also loved birds, especially Peanut, the parakeet he and Julia raised together.  Michael also enjoyed cooking for family and friends.  And from the time he received his first set, Michael loved Legos, and he shared the fun and challenge of building castles, moats, and pirate ships with Julia.

Devoted to Julia, Michael possessed the qualities of a good father; he was affectionate, attentive, encouraging, and protective. He made every moment with Julia a fun, educational experience whether taking her to the zoo, the art museum or the science museum, or singing with her or teaching her gardening or archery.  Above all, he loved Julia, his little “Catbug,” with all his heart and soul.  On Father’s Day 2020, he posted this on Facebook: “Remember, Fellas, from the day they take their first breath, to the day we exhale our last-we do what we do for them.” Michael lived these words. 

“A father’s love is forever imprinted on his child’s heart.”— Jennifer Williamson

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Forrest and Gladys Warren.

Surviving is his daughter, Julia Lee Thomas; mother, Tana Warren Thomas; father, Mike Thomas; grandmother, Ruth Thomas; girlfriend, Britney Gilbert; best friend, Marcus Blankenship; aunt, Lisa Brown (Jack); uncles, Eddie Warren (Judy) and Kenny Thomas (Molly); cousins, Clarrisa Dolan (Dave), Melanie Burnett, Matt Burnett, Britten Warren, Vanessa Warren, Andrew Warren, Nathan Warren; special neighbors, Tom and Helen Goodman; special feather baby, peanut.

Michael will be remembered for so much: his kind soul and sweet sprit, his unique sense of humor, his brilliance, his generosity and compassion and his smile.   Until we meet again.


A Celebration of Michael’s Life will be held at Unity Church of Roanoke Valley 3300 Green Ridge Road Roanoke, VA 24019 on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 12 pm with Reverend Marc Silva officiating. Visitation will be from 1130-12 prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making an offering to Unity Church of Roanoke Valley or to your local SPCA. 

Please go to www.lotzfuneralhomeroanoke.com to post online condolences and tributes.