Charles Thomas

Charles Richard Thomas, Eskridge, 90, died from injuries sustained in a car accident on May 16, 2023. Born on November 15, 1932, to Charles and Felicia Thomas. Charles was raised in the Eskridge community, and graduated from Eskridge High School in 1950. He joined the Air Force and was stationed mostly in Denison, Texas. He married his high-school sweetheart, Bonita Johnson, on July 26, 1952 – celebrating 70 years of marriage last summer. After the Air Force, Charles worked for DuPont as a maintenance mechanic from 1956 to 1984. He also worked on his ranch raising cattle, pigs and even rabbits at one time. He was the epitome of a hard worker, which continued up until his last few years. In 1978, he built his and Bonita’s current home north of Eskridge and continued raising cattle and maintaining pastures for another 40 plus years. Charles/Chuck/Dick was a most remarkable and lovable gentleman, extremely generous and kind. He was keenly clever and innovative, and taught his children they could do anything. Charles was known for helping strangers who stopped at his house needing something or anything. He also would be the first to help a neighbor. He deeply loved his family and friends – and he loved his country. Charles was always a storyteller and we hope anyone who knew him well will keep a story of his close to their heart. He accomplished his mission (taken from the movie Forrest Gump), “Always be able to look back and say – at least I didn’t live no humdrum life.” No, Dad, your life was the complete opposite of humdrum – and what an absolute honor it was for all of us to be a part of it. Charles is survived by his wife, Bonita and his children, Ed Thomas (Karen Viergever), Kathy Stacken (Doug), and Webb Thomas (Brenda); grandchildren, Jeremy Thomas (Jessica), Brooklynd Wills (Scott), Kendra Rutschman (Aaron), Roxy Seematter, Cody Seematter (Ashley), Tanner Thomas, Cole Thomas, and Jamey Andrews (Dean); 17 great-grandchildren; dear brother Harold Thomas; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra Thomas, and his siblings, Dorothy Eastman, Betty Haynes, and Dale Thomas. Visitation will be 12:30 to 2 p.m. Friday, May 26, at Dover Fellowship Hall, 13535 SW 57th Street, Dover, KS 66610. Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall. Burial will be in the Swedish Cemetery in rural Wabaunsee county. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the charity of your choosing and sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Charles Thomas

November 15, 1932 - May 16, 2023