Darnell Craig Thomas

Darnell Craig Thomas, 27, Laurel, Md., died Thursday in Maryland.

Darnell came into this world with a voice to be heard. Darnell was a studious child with a love for language and the arts. His formative years were spent in Altoona, Pa., where his inquisitive nature and thirst for learning were shaped at Wright Elementary School, Keith Junior High School and Altoona Area High School.

Darnell continued his studies in Pittsburgh, where he attended Duquesne University. He graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in international law and political science. Darnell was blessed with the opportunity to study abroad. He studied in Rome, Italy, and Paris, France, and traveled throughout Europe. Darnell's personality and his ability to speak five languages opened many doors for him. Darnell gained a host of friends and acquaintances during his European experiences. After graduation, Darnell went to Maryland to pursue opportunities in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Darnell accepted a position with Protocol Communications, where he continued to use his language skills for interpreting. In his spare time, Darnell further used his gifts to tutor Spanish-speaking students at a community college.

Darnell accepted Jesus as his personal savior at a young age. He loved the Lord and had no problem in ministering to anyone willing to listen. It was his desire to capture his testimony and the testimonies of his peers and write a book to minister to the youth. It was this loving spirit that made him so beloved by friends and family.

Darnell is survived by his mother and stepfather, Nadine and James Sledge of Erie, Pa.; his father, John Keith Bates of Dallas, Texas; his grandmother, Joyce Goodman of Cumberland, Md.; and his siblings: Andre Thomas, Destiny Bates, Jalisa Sledge and Devon Sledge. He also leaves his aunts and uncles: Deborah Jones, Elizabeth Thomas, Victor Thomas, Dona Thomas, Karla Thomas Smith, Marcus Bates and Desmond "D.J." Bates; and many cousins, extended family and friends.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008, at The Stevens Mortuary Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona (www.stevensmortuary.com).

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14, 2008, at Stevens Memorial Chapel by Minister Jon Hogans. Interment at Oak Ridge Cemetery.