Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
"For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death." Psalm 48:14
O.P. Thomas, lovingly known as Jose, was born on November 23, 1952, in Kottayam, Kerala, India. He was the fourth of six children born to his devoted parents, Varkey and Aleyamma Pothen. Raised in a Pentecostal Christian home, Jose spent his early years in Kerala, where he eventually took over the family businesses - managing rice farms, a mill, and later, a bakery.
On August 17, 1981, Jose married Alice Kurian of Payappady, Kerala, the beloved daughter of Skariah and Chinnamma Kurian. Together, they were blessed with two children, Jason and Jaime.
In 1995, Jose and his family immigrated to the United States, settling in Oklahoma. They became active members of International Pentecostal Assembly, which remained their spiritual home and a source of strong community support for nearly 30 years.
Jose was a kind, generous, and loving man - deeply devoted to his wife, children, and everyone he encountered. He had a heart for Christian missions and faithfully supported organizations in Kerala. He loved traveling, enjoying good food, and appreciating the finer things in life. Known for his hospitality, Jose welcomed many into his home, always eager to share a meal and lend a helping hand. His easygoing nature and signature sense of humor brought smiles to many; he was rarely angered and often lightened the mood with a well-timed joke.
Even in the face of illness, he carried himself with grace and joy, having survived several serious health challenges by the Lord's mercy.
On September 8, 2025, the Lord, in His sovereign will, called Jose home.
He is survived by his loving wife, Alice; his children, Jason and Jaime; and his son-in-law, Gavin. He is also mourned by his siblings Molly, George, Sunny, Kunju, and Sam.
Jose was deeply loved by his family and friends and will be profoundly missed.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Othera Pothen (Thomas) Thomas, please visit our floral store.