Fernando Thomas

Fernando Carl Thomas, age 71, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026. He was born on December 19, 1954, and was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Arvella “Cinderella” Keys, and father, Curtis Keys. Fernando graduated from Martin Luther King High School and was a devout member of Messiah Tabernacle under the leadership of the late Pastor Alfred Fowler in St. Louis, Missouri. Fernando was a gifted handyman and landscaper, known for his skill, creativity, and unwavering willingness to lend a helping hand. His hands were rarely still—he found joy in building, repairing, and creating. From model planes and army tanks in his younger years to intricate Lego sets later in life, Fernando loved bringing things to life one piece at a time. He also enjoyed assembling bookcases and small furniture, always proving that no box of instructions was too challenging for him. Anyone who knew Fernando also knew his deep love for movies and music, a passion he proudly passed on to his sister and nephews. He especially loved military and action films—as well as anything featuring Godzilla. His music tastes were just as expansive, ranging from rock to R&B to soul. His favorite group of all time was George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic. Fernando will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his steady hands, and his quiet sense of humor. He was truly our gentle giant. He didn’t say much, but when he did, we listened. If you managed to get him to crack a smile, you knew it was genuine—and you earned it. And if he really loved you, he gave you a nickname. Estie, Walrus, Gingerbread, Polish Sausage, Ms. T, Duty, Gummy, Kong… the list goes on. We had names for him, too—Nanny, Nando, and Big Brother. We also carry fond memories of him whipping out his infamous comb from his back pocket whenever the kids got out of line. Even as adults, we still feared “the comb.” Some of us saw it more often than others. Fernando leaves to cherish his memory: his step mother Dianne, his sister Teri (Darnell); brother Curtis “Scotty”; his beloved nephews Darnell Jr. and Donovan; his aunts Charlotte, Rhonda, Audrey, Geraldine, Estelle (Keith), and Monica (James); and his uncles Kevin (Lenae), Dave (Deborah), and Elvis. He is also survived by a host of cousins, extended family, and friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.

Fernando Thomas

December 19, 1954 - February 6, 2026