Erend Thomas Albert Straight Jr.

Rev. Thomas Albert Straight, Jr. is the eldest child born to Deacon Tom A. and Mother Emma D. (Donald) Straight, Sr. on March 4, 1966, in Gary, Indiana. From a child Rev. Straight enjoyed singing and when he was old enough joined a gospel group. Also, briefly formed a family singing group as well. Rev. Straight was educated in the public schools of Gary, Indiana graduating from Westside High School in 1984. A lover of football and basketball. Rev. Straight passion for music lead him to play in the band in Jr. High & briefly High School. In addition to Rev. Straight played other musical instruments. When His mother transitioned to heaven Rev. Straight sacrificed his interest to concentrate on helping his father with the family.

Upon graduation from high school, Thomas enrolled as a psychology major at the Indiana Institute of Technology from which he received his Associate Degree. It was after he achieved that success that he then enrolled at the Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary in Newburgh, Indiana. His move to Evansville lead to his employment with T.J. Maxx Distribution Center and RGIS Industry.

Deacon and Mother Straight were believers in raising up their children in church and in the fear of the Lord. Thomas was baptized by then Pastor Rev. W.F. Coleman. It was no surprise to his family given “
Jr’s” gift for gab that he would accept GOD’s call into the Gospel Ministry at the age of 16.
He preached his first sermon at his home church, the Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church of Gary, IN under the leadership of Pastor Charles L. Emery. The Gospel Ministry was an extension of his heart’s desire to serve his LORD. He involved himself with the youth department of Pilgrim and District Association. His gift opened speaking opportunities not only in Gary, but the surrounding communities in Northern Indiana and Illinois.

Rev. Straight mentored young people, encouraging them to always give GOD their best and to love the stranger. After Pilgrim Baptist Church had licensed him to preach, on the recommendation of Pastor Emery the church voted to ordain Rev. Straight before he left for the seminary. When he arrived in Evansville, he first united with the McFarland Baptist Church. His spiritual gifts soon became his calling card, and he was embraced by the liturgical community as a servant of the God the Father. His biblical teaching skills were sought after by many local pastors. He would over the span of years share his gifts with various ministers in helping to prepare the people of God for this journey. His favorite saying was, “If I can help somebody along the way, then my living will not be in vain.”

Preaching and teaching from place to place led him to meet and marry the Late Diane Smith-Straight. Together they would share the gospel and their home as a meeting place to study the Word of GOD. Diane love for people complimented his style of ministry, which reached the unchurched and the unloved. His ministry grew as well as his skills as a preacher and teacher. The Eastview Baptist Church became confirmation that GOD was calling Rev. Straight to the role of pastor. After prayerful consideration and spiritual reflection
Rev. Straight accepted the call to become pastor of the Eastview Baptist Church of Evansville, leaving his role as
Associate Minister of the Mt. Olive Galilee Baptist Church. Rev. Straight served Eastview for as long as his health would allow him. His love for the church and the membership made this decision hard, but he wanted the
church to prosper in the work Lord. Eastview remain his love until his passing.

Rev. Straight trusted the Lord in faith that GOD does all things well. His doctor recommended that Rev. Straight needed around the clock care. He was placed in a convalescent center. He arrived as a patient in the care of the staff, but GOD had other plans. Soon, Rev. Straight realized that his Holy assignment was to “pastor” the patients at the facility that the LORD had delivered him to. It was here that he relied on GOD to open avenues that would allow him to minister to those who were afraid, isolated, dejected and without hope. He prayed and GOD heard and confirmed his assignment. A fruitful and wonderful ministry was birthed with Rev. Straight breaking barriers and norms. He led his congregation in their worship. He prayed with them in their time of need. He counselled their love ones and encouraged the staff. What a blessing Rev. Straight was to the staff and residents. His thought simply was… “if I can help somebody.”

Pastor Straight transitioned on January 22, 2021 to the place of eternal rest. Rev. Straight’s smile and loving spirit shall forever live on in the lives he touched, but especially in his brothers Kenneth Straight, and Joseph (Monica) Straight; his sisters, Evelyn Straight and Cynthia (Charles) Sims; stepchildren, Mark Cash, Angela & Gerald Smith and Host nieces, nephews and as well as extended family members.