It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lyonette Sue Thomas, a devoted wife, loving mother, and dedicated 15th Drug Task Force Agent. Born on August 28, 1985, in Waldron, Arkansas to Billy Joe Hale and Carolyn Hastings. She departed from this world on August 7, 2024 at her home at the age of 38.
Lyonette’s life reflected her passion for service, as she served with honor and distinction in the 15th Drug Task Force. Her dedication to her work was matched only by her love for the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Dallas Cowboys. Lyonette found solace in nature, often spending time deer hunting, trout fishing, tending to the cows, and riding on her side-by-side.
A woman of boundless love, Lyonette’s family held a special place in her heart. Her affection for her daughter Raylyn Sue was immeasurable, and she took great pride in being her biggest fan. Lyonette’s unwavering support and love for her family were evident in every smile, hug, and encouraging word she shared. In her travels across the United States, Lyonette embraced new experiences, creating lasting memories wherever she went. Her adventurous spirit and kind soul touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Lyonette is survived by her husband Austin Blake Thomas, her daughter Raylyn Sue and Dax & Jack. Her mother: Carolyn Hastings and husband Ken of Stigler, Oklahoma and her bonus mom: Kim Hale of Hale Town, Arkansas. Her siblings: Chelsea Lord, husband Jacob and nephew Miles Lord of Wasilla, Alaska; Charley Kay Mills and husband Byron of Springdale, Arkansas; Kendra Kisling of Waldron, Arkansas; Kayla Cox and husband Ronnie of Waldron, Arkansas; and brother: Dustin Kisling and wife Hope of Rogers, Arkansas. Lyonette is also survived by her paternal grandparents: Billie Sue and W.D. (Rabbit) Ray of Waldron, Arkansas; aunt: Lisa Ridenhour of Waldron, Arkansas; Jodi Perry of Poteau, Oklahoma and uncles: Laney Dale Jones and wife Dawn and Randy Jones and wife Sheila all of Gravelly, Arkansas. Cousins: Chrissy Trampp, Hannah Owens, Ethan Jones, Lauren Pyles, Logan Trampp, Bryson Jones and Jake Perry. Mother-in-law, Karen Brogdon and husband Perry of Dover, Arkansas; and two brother-in-laws: Jeremy and Laura Beth Brogdon of Greenbrier, Arkansas and Jesse Brogdon of Dover, Arkansas. Lyonette’s radiant smile and unwavering love for her family will truly be missed by each of those whose life she had impacted.
Lyonette was preceded in death by her father: Billy Joe Hale; step-father: Randy Hollingsworth; paternal grandfather: Joe Madison Hale; maternal grandparents: Grady Ezeal and Bobbie Jones; father-in-law: Glynn Thomas; brother-in-law: Josh Brogdon; and uncle: Dennis Jones.
To honor Lyonette’s remarkable life, a public visitation will be held at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas on Sunday, August 11, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00p.m. A Celebration of Life ceremony will take place at the Waldron Public School’s Multi-Purpose Facility on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 2:00 pm with Rev. Ricky Hunt officiating. Interment will follow with Lyonette being laid to rest in the Union Hill Cemetery in Union Hill, Arkansas.
Lyonette’s pallbearers will be: Brittany Fletcher, Horacio Gonzalez, Cheyenne King, Wes Baxter, Tony Hartwick, Billy Alvey and Tyna Martin.
Honorary pallbearers will be: Ethan Jones, Logan Trampp, Bryson Jones, Jake Perry, Arkansas Narcotic Officers Association, Association of Oklahoma Narcotic Enforcers, Iowa Narcotic Officers Association, Kansas Narcotic Officers Association, Texas Narcotic Officers Association, Colorado Narcotic Officers Association, California Narcotic Officers Association, Nevada Narcotic Officers Association, National Narcotic Officers Associations Coalition, Louisiana Narcotic Officers Association.
As we remember Lyonette Sue Thomas, let us carry forward her legacy of love, integrity, and service. In her passing, she leaves behind a legacy of compassion and devotion that will be forever cherished by those who knew her. May her memory be a beacon of light in our lives, guiding us with the love and grace that Lyonette embodied so beautifully.
