Charles M. Thomas, Sr.
Charles M. Thomas, Sr.
Charles M. Thomas, Sr., Lt. Col. U.S. Army (ret.) passed away on April 15, 2020.
Charles was born to Martin and Mabel Thomas at home in Jersey Shore on the shortest day of the year of 1920. He and his sister and three brothers grew up during the depression years, something they never failed to appreciate as they became adults in better times.
Charles graduated from Jersey Shore High School in 1938 and began working as a machinist’s apprentice for the New York Central Shops in Avis while serving in the National Guard in Lock Haven. His guard unit was an actual field artillery cavalry outfit complete with numerous horses.
He sometimes remarked that his experiences in the cavalry explained his lifelong disdain for horses.
It was not long until he was selected for Engineer Officer Candidate School at Ft. Belvoir, Va. After graduating as a second lieutenant he found himself deep in Germany in World War II. During this time he participated in the Battle of the Bulge and other campaigns.
His three brothers were in combat in Germany at the same time. They all returned alive after two of the brothers were wounded and one came home after being a POW.
Captain Thomas remained in the army after the war, and with his wife and two sons traveled to numerous assignments including posts in Japan, Germany and the U.S. A branch transfer to armor later in his career provided new assignments and duties.
He was promoted to Lt. Col. at age 37 and after serving his last assignment as commander of a tank battalion at Ft. Hood, Texas, retired after 23 years of service.
An 18 year social studies teaching career at Stevens and Roosevelt Jr. High School in Williamsport followed.
Mr. Thomas loved hunting, fishing and other activities with his family and friends.
Charles is survived by his wife of 78 years, Dorothy Thomas; two sons, three grandsons and two great-grandchildren.
Charles requested that there be no funeral service. He was laid to rest at Rest Haven by family.
If anyone wants to pay respects to Charles Thomas, a contribution to a veterans association would make him smile.