Mhiyu Yusufu Tichawona Thomas Sr. was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on November 4, 1973, to parents Earl "Big Earl" Riley Hamilton and Linda Louise Thomas. He was educated in both the Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Des Moines public school systems, having attended and graduated from North High School in Des Moines. After moving back and forth between the two cities, he eventually settled in Des Moines. He worked for years for the Ambassador Transport Service, delivering clients to various medical appointments as well as performing other duties. Being a people person, he was well-liked by customers and colleagues alike. Mhiyu was fun-loving with a good sense of humor. He would make you laugh and then ask you to "let me hold a few hundred thousand". He would, of course, settle for $20. He was an avid sports fan. He cheered for the L.A. Dodgers, the S.F. Forty-niners, and, you could never say anything bad about the L.A. Lakers. His son, Mhiyu Jr., had recently procured tickets to a Lakers game as a surprise birthday present (November 4th) for his Dad. Unfortunately, Mhiyu passed away beforehand. Mhiyu had an unconditional love for family. On all occasions, good and bad, you could expect Mhiyu to be there. Always ready to lend a helping hand, be in support, or to do whatever was necessary. He had a big heart. Many times, he gave to others even if it meant hurting himself. He was especially proud of his children and always respectful of his elders. He cherished his Aunt Hadaasha, who named him at birth, and his grandmother, Queen E. Dennis, who always tried to keep him on task. Sadly, Mhiyu passed away on October 28, 2025. Left to cherish his memories are his children: Keyanna L. Coleman of Houston, TX, Monae M. Thomas, Mhiyu Y. Thomas Jr., both of Des Moines, and Malachi X. Epps of Minneapolis, MN. His siblings: Kim Collier Moore, Melvin Bryson Jr., Ann Hamilton, Jan Hamilton, Earl Williams, Dustin Williams, Antuwan Thomas, Robert Billings, all of Des Moines; Patricia Gauss of Portland OR, Lanay Gauss of Atlanta, GA, Tyronza "Turtle" Hamilton of Milwaukee, WI, Chelsea Dorsey of Des Moines, and Chelsea Wangugi of CA. His bonus spiritual siblings: Andrea Bryson, Angela Bryson, Penny Williams, Melissa Williams, all of Des Moines, Ronnie "Ron Ron" Williams of Houston, TX, and Tye Gauss of Minneapolis, MN., his grandchildren, Elayna N. Thomas, Estella K. Thomas, Elio N. Thomas, Emory L. Truss. He's preceded in death by his parents, Linda L. Thomas and Earl R. Hamilton. His paternal grandparents, Bobby J. Dennis and Queen E. Dennis, and maternal grandmother, Audrey Poindexter. Mhiyu will be sorely missed by a host of family, extended family, and friends.