Beloved son, father and friend, Arkell Andre Thomas, Jr., “Kell”, 63, passed away on February 9, 2025 after a brief hospitalization. He was born and raised in Baton Rouge, but lived in Denham Springs for the last 30 years.
Kell was a gifted mechanic who had a knack for troubleshooting and correctly diagnosing the problem, whether it be an automobile, motorcycle, lawn mower or go-cart. His skills were appreciated by many, both while working for his friend, Sterling Hebert at Mighty Muffler in Hammond, or as the shade tree mechanic for his many friends and acquaintances, none of which would consider bringing their vehicles anywhere other than the shop in Kell’s back yard. His love of automobiles came at a young age, attending various car shows with his father and siblings. He and his father also participated in car shows, proudly exhibiting their labor of love, “Dixie Rat”, a 1940s Studebaker truck they’d rebuilt together. Kell also loved dogs, motorcycles, Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream, and Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme bars. His lifelong dream car was a 1966 Chevelle – Candy Apple Red with white wall tires.
He is survived by his mother, Patricia Thomas; children: Erica Thomas, Arkell Thomas III (Jennifer), Kariane Woods, and Eric Daniels; grandchildren: Cade, Isabella (Erica), Darrius, Cage, André, Aiden, Alizzia (Arkell III), Dakota, Braden, Bentley (Felicia); siblings: Mark Thomas Sr. (Wanda), Troy Thomas (Monica), Linette Basso (Dwayne), Tanya Thomas; nieces and nephews: Chelsey, Marleigh, Mark Jr. (Mark Sr.), Ian, Matthu, Bailey (Troy), Joseph, André (Linette), Kenneth, Ashley, Steven (Tanya); three aunts: Donna Papizan (John), Wanda Dufour (Barry), and Louise Henkel – along with many other distant relatives and friends including his lifelong best friend, Jimmy Gordon.
He is preceded in death by daughter, Felicia Holcomb; father, Arkell Thomas, Sr.; grandparents, Lottie and Arkell Thomas, Yvonne Romero; nephew, Joshua Thomason, and many beloved dogs, including Seymour, Lil’ Bit, Tank, and Sweetie.
A celebration of his life will be held Thursday February 13, 2025 at Seale Funeral Home in Denham Springs from 1:30-4:00 pm. Family and friends are invited to attend and share memories (and tall tales) from times with Kell.
In lieu of flowers, donate to your local animal shelter or The ALS Association in honor of Kell’s father, Arkell Sr.
