Stephen Gregory Thomas

March 22, 1964 - February 9, 2026

Stephen Gregory Thomas, lovingly known as "Steve," passed away on February 9, 2026, in Shreveport, Louisiana, at the age of 61. Steve was born on March 22, 1964, in Alexandria, Louisiana, to Mary Jean Swift Thomas and Gerard Francis Thomas, Jr. of Natchitoches, Louisiana.

Steve was one of the last surviving residents to have lived in all three institutions founded by Bishop Charles P. Greco to serve individuals with developmental disabilities in the region: St. Mary's School in Clarks, Louisiana (1954 open); St. Mary's School of Alexandria (1974); and later Holy Angels in Shreveport, where he lived after aging out of St. Mary's and remained for the rest of his life.

Steve learned from many supportive and dedicated caregivers throughout his life - but it was Steve himself who quietly taught us all along the way as well. Steve had Down Syndrome and could show everyone around him what unconditional love should truly look like. He had a kind heart, a generous spirit, and brought joy that was steady and sincere. He loved freely, quickly, and without limit. Steve was the real deal.

Steve enjoyed his daily routine of managing his family photo album library, his DVD collection, and, of course, his trusty calendar. He would flip through the photos taken over the years by his amateur photographer-attorney dad and arranged by his librarian-trained bridge-hustling mom for hours each day, studying faces and reliving the moments to keep his family and friends back home close. His DVD favorites included Love Lucy, Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie, Wonder Woman and The Golden Girls - yes, Steve had quite an admiration for the ladies. He was never shy about asking a gal to marry him on their first meeting and he would often propose without introducing himself if there were multiple prospects in his view. Steve acquired hundreds if not thousands (according to Steve) of "wives" and consequently a reputation as a prolific two-timer that preceded him. At a recent birthday bash for Steve, the Happy Birthday song ended and he had just blown out all 57 candles when the big question was popped: "What day is this, Steve?" All went quiet and the pressure mounted as he was always guarding against trick questions (and 57 trick birthday candles that might re-light at any moment). "Today is.. today is... MONDAY!" Laughter erupted and Steve joined in but not sure exactly why - it was indeed Monday! While "it's my Birthday" may have scored more points he nailed it with the right answer and remained true to his calendar that he so passionately studied. Or was it perfect comedic timing?

Steve would occasionally do and say things so surprisingly brilliant that one of us brothers might take him aside to affectionately ask: Have you been faking it (all this time), Steve? Steve never winked... thankfully, because we wouldn't have wanted him any other way. Steve was the real deal.  And what a character!!

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Jean and Gerard F. Thomas, Jr., and his sister, Marcia Thomas Pendleton.

To cherish his memory, Steve leaves behind his brothers: Gerard F. Thomas III (Beth) of Lafayette, Louisiana; Richard Thomas (Denise) of Natchitoches, Louisiana; Jeffrey Thomas (Samantha of Natchitoches, Louisiana; Robert Thomas (Tama) of Natchitoches, Louisiana; and Patrick Thomas (Kelly) of Frisco, Texas, He is also lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews: Lindsay Pendleton, Kathryn Thomas Ledet, Stacy Englebrecht Rufe, Stephen Englebrecht, Caroline Thomas White, Clayton Thomas, Michael Thomas, Sidney Thomas-Marzullo, Harrison Thomas, Patrick Thomas and Erin Thomas - along with countless friends, caregivers, and, of course, his many devoted brides wherever they may be.

An extra special shoutout of thanks to the workers in the trenches at Madonna Hall dormitory.

In lieu of flowers for Steve, he asked that you send donations to Holy Angels, 10450 Ellerbe Road, Shreveport, La. 71106.