It was yet another devastating blow to a community already in mourning when the news came of the passing of Lyonette-Hale Thomas. Thomas served as a Probation/Parole Officer and an Agent for the 15th Judicial Drug Task Force for the past 15 years.
Thomas, who passed away on Wednesday, August 7, was escorted by multiple law enforcement agencies back home from the Arkansas State Crime Lab on Thursday, August 8. Then, on Friday, the community joined those in honoring her life as the procession passed the Waldron City Park.
Thomas, 38, leaves behind a husband, Austin, and a baby girl, Raylyn Sue. She was described by her law enforcement family as passionate and dedicated.
The Waldron Police Department issued the following statement:
“Lyonette was special, she cared deeply about what she did, Waldron was her home and she wanted to make it a better place. Lyonette was here every week working with us, or the Sheriff’s Office, she was our sister, our friend and a mentor to some of our younger officers, she was everything you should strive to be as an LEO. Our hope is that she knew how much she meant to us and the good she was doing for not only our community but all those in the 15th Judicial District. Our thoughts and prayers are with all her family, friends and all those who loved her.”
A memorial account has been set up in honor of Lyonette at Chambers Bank. Make a deposit at any of their locations- account ending 1347 in her husband Austin’s name.