John "Yankee" Thomas III, 78, passed away on October 15, 2012. He was born on February 23, 1934 in Roanoke, Louisiana, to the late John and Gertie Levy Thomas. He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Joyce King Thomas; five beautiful children from this union; Sandra (Ernest) Joubert, John Patrick Thomas both of Lake Charles, LA, Stephanie (Boyd) Peters, Joseph (Elaine) Thomas both of Atlanta, GA, and Reginald (Sheryl) Thomas of Moreno Valley, CA; three sisters; Ruby Mae Nicholson, Lillian Rivette, both of Beaumont, TX, and Sharon (J.C.) Thierry of Washington, LA; 6 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; godchildren; Marva Pellican, Willie King, Jr, Ivan Thomas, and Dalton "Doobie" Edda; special friend; Sidney Royster, and a host of relatives and friends. "Yankee" was preceded in death by his parents John and Gertie Thomas; one brother; Ivan Thomas, Sr.