Lionel Thomas peacefully departed this life for his eternal resting place on Wednesday, April 5th, 2023, at his home in Clinton, Maryland.

Lionel, affectionately known as Lonnie, was born on July 17, 1949, with his twin Leonard, to the late William and Virgie E. Thomas. He was educated in the Charles County Public School System. After graduating, Lonnie went to work for the Federal Government, where he served as a Master HVAC Technician. He began his career at the Naval Research Lab, followed by the Bureau of Printing and Engraving, where he eventually retired.

Lionel married Hazel Short on August 3, 1974. Through this 49-year union, two children were born. However, the biggest love of Lonnie's life was his granddaughter. She was his pride and joy. They shared a very special bond and he lit up whenever they were together.

Lonnie loved life and lived life to the fullest. He had an adventurous spirit and had many different interests, including learning to fly. He enjoyed relaxing and listening to jazz, reading, studying and was extremely health conscious. Lionel was a go-getter owning several different businesses before his health began to decline. He had a passion for sports and was an avid skier, cyclist and later in life was a yogi enthusiast—favoring wellness from the practice of yoga. He also enjoyed playing baseball, basketball and tending to his yard.

Lonnie was an excellent husband, father, grandfather, sibling, friend, and neighbor. He was loved by all he came in contact with and will be sorely missed.

Lionel was preceded in death by his parents, William and Virgie E. Thomas, and his brother, Salim Hasan.

He leaves to mourn his loving wife, Hazel Thomas; their two children Gary and Sonya Thomas; granddaughter Tiara Myjoy Thomas; two brothers, twin Leonard Thomas (Karen), and David Thomas; six sisters, Joan P. Fletcher, Lenora Lee (John), Sheila Bland (Rubin); Brenda Osanyingbemi (Gabriel); Dolores Thomas and Kimberly Thomas; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Family and Friends Gathering, 10:00 a.m. until time of Memorial Service, 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 17, 2023, in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640.

On Monday, April 17th at 11:00 am, please click on the link below to live stream the service.

Please make sure when viewing the services that the volume located in the right lower corner (where it says "live") on the viewing screen is turned up (the bars should be blue).

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/live-stream