Brendan A. Thomas

Brendan Antone Thomas, affectionately known as “Mane-Mane” by his parents, “Wink” by his family, and “Tikiman” by his friends. He was born as the first child to Tanjy Holt-Thomas and Anthony Thomas Sr on August 22, 1996, in Columbus, Ohio. Brendan was a source of joy and laughter to all who knew him. From a young age, his passion for arts, sports, cooking, and spending time with loved ones shone brightly.

Having accepted Christ early in life he often attended services and Bible studies with both his Nana Brenda and Papa John. He was baptized at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Defiance, Ohio. Brendan’s faith was a cornerstone. 5 years later his little brother Anthony ‘AJ’ was born. Brendan loved being a big brother and they did almost everything together growing up. They traveled extensively with their Papa and Nana everywhere in and outside the United States.

Brendan was always very protective of his younger brother. They both attended TaeKwonDo practicing under Grand Master Sang Kai Paik in Columbus, OH who taught them at a young age positive behavior at home, excellence in school work, and how to defend themselves. When they both received their 1st Dan Black Belts in 2009, their older cousins; Yaman ‘Butter’ and Marcus teased them all the time about them being their personal bodyguards.

Brendan attended kindergarten at Oakwood Elementary then Winterset Elementary where he learned photography, selling most of his pictures during their class auctions. He also had an eye for art and loved to draw. Whether it was with pencils, paints, or charcoal. He could draw anything just by looking at it. He will be remembered for showcasing his creative talent and eye for detail. Brendan was a talented athlete who didn’t just lend himself to one sport. He attended Ridgeview Middle School and played defense for the Rattlers in Columbus, Ohio. He won several trophies within his division.

Throughout his high school years at Paulding High School, Brendan excelled on the football field, earning the admiration of many with his skill as a defensive lineman. There wasn’t a game where Brendan’s name and jersey number (#78) wasn’t chanted by the crowds. As a Freshman and Sophomore he shared his athletic ability with the Centennial Stars swim team. Graduating in 2014 from Paulding High School, he continued his education at Columbus State Community College, eventually finding his calling in welding and forklift at Worthington Industries.

In his free time, Brendan found joy in building connections through online gaming and spending quality moments with friends. He connected with other people throughout the country under the name “Tikiman” on a gaming PC he built himself. His positive impact and contagious smile will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

He is preceded in death by his Maternal Great-grandparents Vincent William Sr. and Peggy “Effie” Carter (Crawford-Tone), Grandfathers: John Hampshire Jr., Andrew A. Holt, and Eugene Childs. Great Aunt Anita ‘Needee’ Yett-Carter, Great Uncles Vincent William Carter Jr., Norman Cecil Carter Sr., Donnie Lee Carter Sr., Cousins Peggy ‘Effie’ Bolden-Carter, Anitiaga Carter, and Kieara Duncan. Paternal Great-grandparents Johnnie ‘JB’ and Lucinda ‘Lucy’ Myrick, Grandfather Herman Lee Funchess Sr., Great Aunt Gloria, and Willie Smith, Great Uncle George Taylor. And Step-Grandmother Melanie Parnell.

He leaves to cherish his memories with his mother, Tanjy (Jerome) Thomas Columbus, Ohio; father, Anthony Thomas Sr. Cleveland, OH; His Nana, Brenda Hampshire Oakwood, OH; Grandmother, Amanda ‘Gladys’ Funchess, Cleveland OH; His Brother, Anthony Thomas Jr. of Columbus, OH, and Half-brother Anthony Thomas II Buffalo, NY. Half-sisters Ashley Sims Cleveland, OH, Jazmine Thomas Lima, OH. Step-brothers and sisters: Tenneille and Tai’Nassia Thomas, Jaylen Graham, Jahvon Lynch, and Kylah Guice-Thomas, all of Columbus, OH. His Nieces: Aniyah Thomas Clermont, FL, Jes’oni Thomas Buffalo, NY, and Nephew Anthony Thomas III. Maternal Aunts: Adrian ‘Angel’ Jones of Cincinnati, OH, and Erica Holt of Miami, FL; Great-Aunts: Barbara Thompson, Tina (Jason) Whiting Lexington, KY, Sheila Carter Cincinnati, OH; Great Uncle Calvin Holt, Nathaniel Yett Cincinnati, OH, Great-Great Aunts: Yvonne “Bonnie” Madaris Monroe, GA, Jennifer ‘Gin’ Johnson Erlanger, KY, and Landolus ‘Cookie’ (Robert) Black Springdale, OH; Paternal Uncles, Michael ‘Dip’ Bonner of Cleveland OH, H. Lee ‘Pooh’ (Charlene) Funchess, of Cincinnati, OH, Lorenzo ‘PeeWee’(Theresa) Funchess, Ft. Worth, TX, Step Uncles: Eddie Thomas and Kenneth Thomas Jr of Columbus, OH; Step Aunts: Yolanda Parnell, Kennisha (Richard) Cunningham, Patrice Thomas; and a host of cousins, relatives, and many, many friends.

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