Dexter Lee Thomas; Sauce Man; was born to the late David Thomas Sr. and Mary Thomas on April 4, 1966, in Mamou, Louisiana. He was baptized at an early age and accepted Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior under the late Reverend, Pastor Joshua G. Frank III of St. Paul Baptist Church in Mamou, Louisiana. Years later he moved to DeQuincy, Louisiana and where he was under the leadership of Pastor Marvin Durgan of The Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church of DeQuincy, Louisiana, where he has served as a deacon for over 20 years with his fellow deacons: Cyrus Pullard, Sr., Ennis Simien, James Chachere, Kevin Jordan, and Wesley Conner, Jr.

In the work realm, he was a loyal, dependable, hardworking man overall. Since 1991 he has worked for Turner Industries- Citgo and was still an active Fuel Truck Driver for the company. He was loved tremendously by all of his co-workers. His work ethic spoke volumes, and the size of his heart was unmatched. We honor his work family of 30 plus years.

The Family Man, he truly was. The one who brought family together with his comforting southern cooking and was pleased to do so at any time. He created family night, it was once a week, where you would gather, pray, say what you were thankful for, and then you were able to eat. He knew the importance of God and instilled it first in his home. Family was the most important. He departed this life at the blessed age of 59 on Friday, September 26, 2025.

Dexter leaves to cherish his precious memories to his loving Wife: Vanessa Bushnell Thomas, Mother: Mary Thomas, Brothers: Curtis Goodley (Shelia) of Mamou, La, David Thomas Jr (Jessica) and Drextler Thomas (Nickie) of Eunice, La, Sisters: Sara Staten (KT) of Rosenberg, Tx, Demetriss Wilkins (Barrington) of Hartford, Ct, and Dorena Thomas, Reneta White (Sam), Julia Simien (Jo) all of Mamou, La Children: Tamara (Darreon), Tajah Banks (Malcom) of Deridder, Oce'Annah Thomas of Lake Charles, La, and Brandie Thomas of Dequincy, Kheasland Thomas of Leesville La, Kevin Thomas, Donte Thomas of Dequincy La, Kareniesha Thomas of Dequincy and bonus son, Jamal Spikes; Grandchildren, , Zane Lee Thomas, Zailyn Prewitt, Khalea Thomas, Khelii Thomas, Kairo Thomas, and Blair Thomas; Brothers-in-law: Jerome Bushnell (Stacy) of Pennsylvania, and Dennis Bushnell Jr of DeQuincy, La; Sisters-in-law: Barbara Janice (Joe) of Kinder, La, and Evelyn, Melissa Walker (Decavius ), and Carolyn Watson (Marlon) all of DeQuincy, La. Godchildren: Jeremy Bushnell, Danielle Marburgh, Anatasia Thomas, Akeem Oakes, Oce'maine Thomas, Jordan Barrett, Kyra Watson, Jaylin Rowe, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, David Thomas Sr; son, Dexter Thomas Jr; daughter, Jhalyn Thomas; brother, James (Mickey) LeBlanc; sister, Madria Thomas; mother-in-law and father- in Law Dennis Bushnell Sr and Norma Ann Bushnell along with sister-in-law, Mary Bushnell.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Family will receive friends from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1810 W. 4th Street, DeQuincy, Louisiana. Visitation will continue from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 10 ,2025, at Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church, 306 Booker Street, DeQuincy, Louisiana. Interment to follow at Community Cemetery, DeQuincy, Louisiana. Pastor Marvin Durgan will be officiating.