At the Madison Parish Council on Aging, Karl J. Thomas works in maintenance and custodial services, but his role extends beyond a single job title.
“My job here at the Madison Council on Aging, mainly custodian, but I do anything and everything,” Thomas said. “I do maintenance mainly, but I help out any way possible I can.”
Thomas said he assists coworkers and supervisors with whatever tasks are needed to keep the facility operating.
Outside of work, Thomas is active in church and community service. He is a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church on Fifth Street, which he calls his spiritual home. He serves with the church’s usher group through the Bethlehem Association.
“We work around for anniversary services, burials. Anything that's needed in the community,” he said.
As an usher, Thomas welcomes church members and visitors, assists with seating and helps during services and funerals.
“Welcome people. Carry out flowers and services, assist with these seats,” he said.
Thomas said volunteering brings him fulfillment.
“It is a joy,” he said.
He credits his family for instilling in him a spirit of service.
“My mom's immediate side people, they got it down packed,” he said, referring to relatives who modeled community involvement.
In addition to his work at the Council on Aging and church service, Thomas volunteers at the Madison Parish Library.
“I help out at the library a lot,” he said.
At the library, Thomas assists with programs such as Primetime in the spring and Storyville in the fall. He helps serve lunches and distribute books to parents and children.
“Serve the lunches, give the books out to parents and their children,” he said.
Thomas said faith guides his approach to life and service.
“With God, all things are possible,” he said.
He attends church regularly and remains active in ministry while balancing his work and volunteer commitments.
Thomas is also a contributor to the The Madison Journal, where he has written since 2017.
“Oh, I love it,” he said of writing for the newspaper. “I'm trying my best … to present what's available and what's real.”
He expressed gratitude to those who supported him, including former editors and church leaders, and dedicated his interview to his godfather, Danny Wayne Davis, and his grandparents, Katie and Joe Thomas Sr.
Across Madison Parish, Thomas’s work can be found in senior services, church ministry, library programs and local journalism. Through each role, he said the goal remains the same: help where needed and serve the community.
