Van Henry Thomas was born on Thursday, February 5, 1948, in Chase City, Virginia, to the late George and Fannie Thomas. He was their firstborn child. Van peacefully departed this life on October 26, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Clifford Thomas, and his sister, Antoinette Thomas.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Clarice "Alice" Thomas; his daughters, Candace Thomas of Maryland and Latoya Wiley of North Carolina; and nieces, Tamara Thomas, Tameka Thomas Bowman (Alphonse) of Philadelphia, and Shaleah Moore. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Maurice Parran (Deshawn), David Parran, Willie Parran and his sisters-in-law, Gail Jackson (Myron), Helen Parran, Joyce Parran, Carolyn Parran and Willihmina Parran along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Van was raised in New Jersey, where he attended school and graduated from Rahway High School in 1965. In 1975, he moved to Bowling Green, Virginia, where he became a proud member of Saint John Baptist Church and joyfully sang in the church choirs.

He dedicated over 30 years of his life to working with developmentally disabled adults before retiring. Van loved to travel and had the joy of cruising around the world twice. He had a gift for connecting with people and was known for his sharp sense of style and love of dressing up for special occasions.

Van was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at St John Baptist Church, 17080 South River Rd, Woodford, Virginia 22580 with a viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in church cemetery.