Dalen Keith Thomas, 9, entered into the Heavenly Gates, October 31, 2018, at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital. He was born March 25, 2009, in Tupelo to Jeremy and Miranda Kennedy Thomas and his big sister, Kylie Brooke. Born with cytomegalovirus, CMV, autism and ADHD, Dalen overcame many obstacles in his short life. Dalen had some wonderful therapists at Longtown and Elite Therapy who encouraged him to meet his goals. His proudest accomplishment was recently learning to ride a bike. Dalen loved life and everyone he came in contact with. He was a very happy child with the biggest smile. He never met a stranger. He loved playing with Legos and superheroes and riding the tractor. A few years ago, Dalen had the privilege of joining the Kidd’s Kid Crew in Disneyworld. Dalen was a honor student at Baldwyn Elementary School where he was in the fourth grade.
Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, November 4, 2018, in the Baldwyn High School Gymnasium with Bro. Keith Thomas, Bro. Ronnie Geary, Bro. Ray Guin and Bro. Douglas Kitchens officiating. Visitation will be 5 until 8 p.m. Saturday, November 3, 2018, in the gymnasium. Burial with a private graveside service will be in the Kirkville Cemetery. Kesler Funeral Home in Baldwyn is in charge of the arrangements.
Dalen is survived by his parents, Jeremy and Miranda Kennedy Thomas of Pratts; his sister, Kylie Brooke of Pratts; his grandparents, Amanda Kennedy Pardue and Buddy of Marietta, and Keith and Rebecca Thomas of Pratts; his great-grandparents, Juanita Kennedy of Marietta, Billy and Ann Barnes of Marietta, James and Jane Thomas of Pratts, and Dot and Fred Fair of Wheeler; his aunt, Brittany Taylor (Chris) and cousin, Kendall of Marietta; special great aunt, Denise Barnett; and a host of great aunts, uncles and cousins.
Dalen was preceded in death by his grandfather, Dale Kennedy; his great grandfathers, Houston Kennedy and Doyle Dawson; and his great-great grandparents, Dillard and Mary Sue Thomas. Pallbearers are Shawn Kennedy, Michael McCarley, Tom Jones, Gary Lee Thomas, Josh Fleming and Jake Hanson. Honorary pallbearers are his fourth grade classmates, teachers and staff at Baldwyn Elementary School, his therapists at Longtown and Elite Therapy, his bro, Zyroin Pulliam; and special teacher, Cristy Wilbanks.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dalen’s honor to National CMV Organization and LeBonheur Children’s Hospital. A fund has been set up at Farmer’s and Merchant Bank. Condolences to the family may be made online at keslerfuneralhome.org.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
