A visitation to remember and celebrate the life of Charles E. "Charlie Thomas Sr., will be Friday, June 28, 2024, from 3-7. The family will be there from 5-7 to receive visitors, and a prayer service will start at 7. Charlie will be laid to rest beside his wife, Shirley, in the Chelsea Cemetery.

Born in Inola, OK on August 19, 1934, to Samuel "SJ" and Marie Vesta (Townsley) Thomas, Charlie was raised and educated in rural Rogers County and attended both Lone Elm and Gregory schools. He graduated from Rural Rogers County School District. On November 8, 1957, in Claremore, OK, Charlie married the love of his life, Shirley Akin. Their marriage lasted for over 66 years before her passing in February of this year. Their marriage was gifted with 2 children, Charla and Chuck. Charlie had a strong work ethic, and it began at a young age. His parents owned an icehouse and when his father's health was failing, Charlie and his brother kept the business going. They continued that ice route that started in Verdigris and ended in Chelsea; hauling those 50lb blocks of ice to businesses and homes. A man that never had a problem getting a job, the jobs just seem to come to him, because of his hard work and determination; Charlie provided for his family working in the shipping and receiving department of both Montgomery Ward and Otasco, retiring at the age of 53 in 1987. While holding down a full-time job, Charlie started driving a school bus in 1968. According to his family it was to make sure his children got to school on time. Even after they graduated, he continued to drive the bus for the football team until 1982. After retirement Charlie started raising cattle, an undertaking that brought him many years of enjoyment.

A man that had the nick name "cookie monster," and you're right, he loved cookies. Charlies was all about his family. He made sure that not only were they well taken care of, but that they made memories that would last a lifetime. His children talked about the fact that they took a family vacation each year and Charlie made sure it was full of fun and adventure. They remember the beaches of Florida, as well as going into Canada. Charlie never learned to swim but was considered the best boat driver around. He and wife, Shirley, spent lots of time at the lake teaching their children to ski. He faithfully attended Church on Sundays; where he would play the guitar and Charla would play the piano. Sunday afternoons were filled with motorcycle riding or fishing.

In later life, Charlie and Shirley became members of the Good Sam RV and Travel Club. They got to travel and see a lot of different places as well as making many lifelong friendships. Charlie enjoyed a good conversation and there were many to be had in the travel club. He looked forward to his deep-sea fishing trips to Galveston, TX and just spending time together with his wife. In fact, throughout their lives where you saw Charlie, you could bet you would see Shirley. With the exception being, according to their children, at Wal-Mart. Charlie many times chose just to wait in the truck.

A man that has left a legacy that will live on in the lives of his family and friends. Charlie is survived by his children, Charla Thomas-Conie and husband, Kim, and Chuck Thomas, brother, Pete Thomas and wife, Debbie, sister, Bessie Biswell and husband, Johnny and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Shirley, brother, Don Thomas and sister, Sue Wells.

Please view and sign Charlie's online tribute at www.delozierfuneralservice.com