Colonel C.W. "Bill" Thomas

Born on January 28, 1929 in Berkley, graduated in June 1946 from Sacramento High and enlisted in the Army Air Corps. In June 1948, was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in USAF and began pilot training - - his dream career.

Colonel Thomas served 33 years in the AF, 31 years as a pilot in 16 different aircraft, accruing 5,000 flying hours supporting: the Berlin Airlift, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He held senior executive roles overseeing logistics, aircraft maintenance, command of a USAF military installation, long range plans and programs, and quality assurance.

Colonel Thomas was highly decorated, receiving 20 medals. Of note were the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with “V” device, Army Commendation Medal, Three Awards of Air Medals, and Three Air Force Commendation Medals.

Colonel Thomas was married to his first love, Jean Cherie’ Thomas for 48 years, until her passing. He married his beautiful Audrey Lee Steichen on June 3, 2006.

Colonel Thomas is survived by his wife Audrey, brothers Edward and Joseph Barnett, children Dane and Jamie Thomas, Michele Thomas, Kim and John Wood, Bill Dupuis, Misty and Mike Hansell, John Steichen, Dan Steichen, and Linda Maples. Grandchildren: Cardin and Lisa Ringelberg, Mark and Chelsea Thomas, Jeffrey and Amy Dupuis, Steven and Brandi Steichen, Sean and Danna Steichen, Shane and Nina Steichen, Chad Steichen, Jordan and Brittney Steichen, Braxton Steichen, and Amanda Maples. Plus, fourteen wonderful great-grandchildren.

Colonel Thomas was an avid reader, stayed current on national politics, golfed, traveled, taught grandchildren how things worked, loved telling jokes, problem solved, flew his last private airplane on his 88th birthday, was perpetually curious, and above all, cared for others.

Visitation and funeral will be held at Lambert Funeral Home, 400 Douglas Blvd, Roseville, CA, 95678. Visitation - Thursday, June 15th, 3:00-7:00 pm. Funeral – Friday, June 16th, 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento, 3555 Auburn Blvd, Sacramento CA, 95821; website: www.crhkids.org.