Charles Thomas Obituary

Charles D. "Chuck" Thomas

Charles D. "Chuck" Thomas, 91, of Findlay, and formerly of Tiffin, died at 12:11 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, at Birchaven Village, Findlay.

Chuck was born Nov. 11, 1930, in Cumberland, Maryland, to the late Bruce E. and Edith (Snavely) Thomas. He was raised in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, one of nine children. He married Dorothy Jean Smith on Dec. 9, 1950, and she survives. To that union of 72 years was born eight children, six of which survive, Cynthia (Douglas) Colgate of Fostoria, Charles C. (Rebecca) Thomas of Richmond, Texas, Kim (Patti) Thomas of Findlay, Carlene Hitchcock of Tiffin, Candace (Johnny) Ange of Durham, North Carolina, and Jacque (Randy) Groves of Melmore. He is also survived by 24 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Sheree D. Patterson in 1997; and son, Steven C. Thomas in 2021.

He is also survived by two sisters, Judy (Jim, deceased) Pellegrino and Gloria (Kenneth) Bader of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and daughter-in-law, Lori Thomas of Festus, Missouri.

Chuck was also preceded in death by siblings, Gladys (Richard) Kidston, Bruce (Rose) Thomas, twin brother Clair (Gloria) Thomas, Shirley (Rich) Verner, Burnace (Paul) Tharp, and Frances (Al) Czyz.

Chuck was employed by Isaly's Dairy Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, right out of high school, sweeping floors. He eventually worked his way up to be a store manager. Later, he was made a district supervisor for stores in western Pennsylvania and the Cleveland, Ohio, suburbs. In 1965, he became manager of the Isaly's store in the Westgate Shopping Center, Tiffin, and moved his wife and eight children to Tiffin. In 1970, he purchased the store and it was renamed Thomas' Cafeteria, which he ran until 1997. He also ran The Thomas Shoppe in downtown Tiffin for several years. He later was a greeter at Tiffin Walmart for many years, well into his eighties.

He enjoyed collecting and restoring old cars and going to flea markets in his spare time. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason and an active member of Zenobia Shriners Club.

All visitation and services will be private at Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home, 500 Lima Avenue, Findlay, Ohio, 45840. Burial will be at Greenlawn Cemetery, Tiffin.

Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com.