Bryan Curtis Thomas

Bryan Curtis Thomas of Salina, passed away Thursday, February 7th, 2020 at Salina Regional Health Center, Salina, KS.  Bryan was born April 20, 1958 to Howard and Lolita Thomas.  He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and brothers, Donald and Joseph.

Survivors include daughters Chanel Thomas, Kansas City, MO and Erin (Cody) Bolye, Salina.  Granddaughters:  Dana Crowder, Kansas City, MO, Nivea and Saniya Triplett, Topeka, KS.  Grandsons:  Brylan and Cohen Boyle, Salina, sisters Sheryl Sanders (Holly), Lawrence, KS, Denene Turner, Topeka, KS, Roy Brownridge, Atlanta, GA and brothers John Thomas, Las Vegas, NV and Delano (Brandi) Thomas, Topeka, KS.  He is also survived by his beloved aunt LaDonna Johnson, Wildomar, CA and uncles John (Nancy) and Barry Curtis, Salina, KS.  Bryan leaves many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends to mourn his loss.

Bryan loved sports, especially his Dallas Cowboys.  He loved to sing, dance and TALK, but he was such a listener too.  He never met a stranger and made everyone feel like he was their best friend.  A confidante to many, a friend to even more.  Bryan was a giver and a provider, even if it left nothing for himself.  A man who brought joy, laughter and smiles wherever he went.   Such a special man, such a special God fearing man.  Bryan was a gift.   He was so much of who we are and we have such joy in knowing we were a part of his life.  Our solace comes in knowing that he is at the right hand of God with his parents, brothers, grandparents and all he held so dear.  We love you with all our hearts Brother Bryan.   We will miss your laugh, your hugs, your kindness, your presence and were so blessed to have you in our lives.

Bryan lived his life like a giant buffet:  he tried a little of everything, piled his plate high, went back for seconds and savored every single bite.  He was an unapologetic mama's boy and a proud girl dad.  The only thing he loved more than being a father was being a grandparent.  He was proud of each and every one of his grandchildren and treasured every moment he spent with them.  He was the kind of man who would rather have a million friends than a million dollars.   His love of life was infectious; you just felt better being around him.   No family get-together was complete without him.  He definitely put the "fun" in every family function.  He was the first one through the Soul Train line and the last one to leave the party.  Bryan wasn't a perfect man, but the world was a better place with him in it.  Sometimes it is hard to understand and accept God's plan.  To those of us who knew and loved Bryan, he was taken from us too soon.  We know he's rejoicing in heaven with his mama but our hearts are broken here without him.  Bryan always said he didn't want a funeral, he wanted a party.  That was exactly like him.   The best way we can honor him is to love each other unconditionally and give without expectation of reward.   And remember that life is like a giant buffet; try a little of everything, pile your plate high, go back for seconds and savor Every. Single. Bite.

Isaiah 41:10 Don't be afraid for I am with you.  Don't be discouraged, for I am your God.   I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will take place Saturday, February 29, 2020, 11:00 AM at St. John's Missionary Baptist Church, 215 Chicago St., Salina, KS.