Thomas Kono

Thomas Kono passed away on February 13, 2012, at Bright Kavanagh in Des Moines, surrounded by his loving family. Thomas was born on January 1, 1968 in Gasmalla, Upper Nile, in the Republic of South Sudan.

Thomas Yassin Kono was a great, brave man who worked hard taking care of his family. He loved all kinds of people as human beings. Where he grew up, the family raised cattle, and were very self-sufficient farmers.

While living in South Sudan, he served his country only for equality and change of human rights. After service in South Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), he settled in his main town which is Gasmalla, and began farming again.

Thereafter, civil war in Sudan started once again. Thomas and his family moved to the Sherkole Refugee Camp, Assosa, Ethiopia. A couple of years later, he and his wife, Martha Yanga, emigrated to America, on September 8, 1999. Thomas lived in Des Moines, Iowa, for 12 years.

While in diaspora, he also served the Mabaan Community as head of the board of directors. Thomas has been a strong leader in the community, with a vision, the way, and the truth. He worked for equality, justice, peace, and unity for all the Mabaan tribe, as well as for others. He has been a humble, faithful man. A true Christian, through sickness he kept going to church, and kept the Word of God in his heart until he died.

His death was a surprise. Two weeks before he died, seats were reserved with Delta Airlines tickets. He was to go to his country of birth, South Sudan. Eventually he became aggressively ill, and did not make it. Thomas is very well known as a great humanitarian. May his soul rest in peace.

Thomas leaves behind his wife, Martha; his children, Linda Yassin, Joseph Yassin, Jeremiah Yassin, Nelson Yassin, Unan Yassin, Moses Yassin and Nancy Yassin; his grandchildren, Tina, Pilita, Etha and Botho; his mother, Kamen; his brother, Mulla; his sisters, Lily and Nyabell; and many other extended family and beloved friends.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2012, at Oralabor Cemetery in Ankeny, Iowa.

www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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