Pastor Thomas James Mabe, 51, Edina, formerly of Luverne, died Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2003.
Services were Sunday, Jan. 5, at Colony Park Baptist Church, Edina. Burial was in Highland Memory Cemetery, Des Moines, Iowa.
Thomas James Mabe was born to Robert L. and GayNelle G. Mabe on Aug. 8, 1951, in Pittsburgh, Penn. The family moved to Pocatello. Idaho, when he was nearly three. From there they moved to Des Moines in 1954, to Peoria Ill., in 1962, to Phoenix, Ariz., in 1963, to St. Louis, Mo., in 1964, to Houston Texas, in 1965, and then back to Des Moines in 1966.
During his K-12 years, he excelled in baseball. He was a star pitcher and the home run king. In Houston, he played football as a wide receiver. He graduated from Des Moines East High School in 1969. He then worked for Kentucky Fried Chicken as an area supervisor.
He married Stephenie Overton on Oct. 10, 1969. He received his bachelor’s degree from Faith Baptist Bible College, Ankenny, Iowa, and his Master’s of Divinity from Grace Theological Seminary, Winona Lake, Ind. He was a pastor and friend to congregations in Colfax, Iowa, Luverne and Edina.
Devoted to God, family and friends, he touched hearts and changed lives with God’s word wherever he went. We will always appreciate how making family time and memories was a priority for him. He taught us so many things; he was truly a role model.
Survivors include his wife, Stephenie Mabe, Edina; one son, Josh (Jennicca) Mabe; two daughters, Sharif (Vince) Welch, grandsons, Gavin and Treyton, and Shanna (Michael) Golden, and grandson, Benjamin; his parents; one brother, Rich Mabe; one sister, Cindy; nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.
Rev. Mabe was preceded in death by one brother, Ron Mabe.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel was in charge of arrangements.