Shadrach Jennings Thomas

Shadrach Jennings Thomas, born June 14, 1948, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is preceded in death by his parents Millard C. Thomas and Janie (Yuggar-Bass) Thomas, His brother Milford Yuggar Thomas, His wife of 43 years, Kay Carol (McDowell) Thomas, and his Granddaughter Alexandria P. Thomas.

Shadrach is survived by his youngest sister Euranious (Dewayne deceased) Patterson, and her children Adrain (Lori) and Donne Patterson. His Sons Theodore Alexander Thomas, his daughter Theodora Thomas and her children. Shadrach Charles Thomas, and his sons, Shadrach Rashad, Azariah Thomas and their children. His Daughters Sheryl (Jerome) Lemons, Kiaya Lucero, Terrence, Kianna, Kendra, and Derrick Lemons. Shauna (Steve) Sankey, Zion (Serenity) Xyrie and Xoie Simpson, Jaylen, and Bryson Sankey.

Shadrach was educated in the Salt Lake City School system and accepted the Lord’s calling as his servant at the early age of 12 years old. Shadrach was a machinist by trade and worked in this industry several years before going back to school to earn several degrees to include Business Administration.

In the early 1970’s Shadrach was called by the late Dr. M. E. Ford who presided over Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church to come to Pueblo, Colorado. Shadrach answered that call and came to Pueblo, to preach the word of God. There he met his wife Kay and grew his family. Shadrach pastored at several churches in the Pueblo community, to include New Hope Baptist Church, New Bethany Baptist Church, and Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church where he was most recently the Minister of Music.

Shadrach became a member of Eureka Lodge No. 2 on May 16, 1979. Shadrach was a Past Master, and held the following offices in Eureka Lodge No. 2; Chaplin Senior Warden and Worshipful Master. He also held the following offices in the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Colorado, and its jurisdiction; RW, Chairman of the jurisdiction, RW Grand Chaplin, Chairman of the jurisprudence committee, and Chairman of characters and dispensions, to name a few. In May of 2025, Shadrach received the 33rd and last degree of FREEMASONRY.

Later in life “Papa Shad” loved spending his time with family, especially his grandchildren. He was known to engage in snowball fights, fishing trips, chess matches and playing “old school” rhyming and hand clapping games. “Papa Shad” will always be remembered for his clever sayings and quick witted come backs and deep family discussions. “Salt, Pepper, Paprika” was a well-known “ism” that his family grew to know and love. This saying encompassed his love of soul food, cooking, and teaching his family how to prepare delicious meals. While doing this he illustrated stories about his parents and grandparents. Above all, Shadrach impressed the love of Jesus Christ in the hearts of his family and set an example for all of them to follow the Lord.

Shadrach’s last words were “I love my family”, which showed his devotion and true nature of the man he was.

Homegoing Celebration, 10 am, Fri., Sept. 12, 2025 at Bethlehem Baptist Church. 

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