Donald “Brandon” Thomas, 39, of Festus died Nov. 3, 2025, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City. Mr. Thomas was a member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades and a longtime employee of Thomas Industrial Coatings in Pevely. Known for his strong work ethic and loyalty, he took pride in his craft and in the friendships he built through his work. He was a member of the Elks Lodge Festus-Crystal City 1721, Amvets Post 42 in Herculaneum and participated in both the Sons and Riders of Amvets. Outside of work, he loved being outdoors, riding his motorcycle, tending to his garden, mowing his yard, hunting, fishing and golfing. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and cheering on his children at their many sporting events. He was known for his kind heart, easy smile and the way he made people feel like a friend. Born March 17, 1986, in Crystal City, he was the son of Donald Matthew (Claudia) Thomas of Pevely and Dawn Celeste Olinger of Festus.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife of 13 years: Emily Alyssa (Gatewood) Thomas of Festus, whom he married on Sept. 12, 2012; parental figures: Kathy (John) Hendrix of Columbia, Ill., and Raymond Austin of Hillsboro; four children: Madeline Pruitt of Festus, Karlee Thomas of Festus, Donald Thomas of Festus and Reagan Thomas of Festus; two brothers: Matthew Thomas of Hillsboro and Joshua (Margeaux) Thomas of Festus; four sisters: Teresa (Nathan) Dunn of Pevely, Jessica Perdomo of Festus, Elizabeth (Eddie) Mattingly of Festus and Stephanie (Lance) Kiggans of Festus; grandparents: Jane and Ken Chailland of Herculaneum, James Austin of Hillsboro and Velma Thomas of Park Hills; and numerous other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by a brother: Zachary Perdomo; and his grandparents: Thomas and Edith Hamby and Mildred Austin; and his stepfather: Jerry Olinger.
A memorial gathering is scheduled from 10 a.m. until memorial services at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at Mahn Twin City Chapel, 515 Collins Ave., in Festus, officiated by the Rev. Randy Gray. Burial will follow in the Herculaneum City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Camp Hope, P.O. Box 52, Farmington, 63640. Arrangements are under the direction of Mahn Twin City Chapel.