Charles Edward Thomas

Charles (Charlie to many friends) passed away on April 28 at KC Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri. Charles was preceded in death by his father, Fred Miller Thomas, his mother, Frances Alene (Walker) Thomas, his brother, Frederick Thomas, his son, Charles Wayne Thomas, and his son-in-law John Signer. Charles is survived by his wife, Mary Jane (Frisby) Thomas, daughters, Lori Signer, Karen Thomas, son, Michael Thomas, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, and his sister Marjorie Pugh.

Charles was born in Kearney, Missouri on April 6, 1930. He spent most of his school years in Liberty, Missouri, but when the family moved, Charles finished his high school career at North Kansas City High School. He graduated from Northtown in 1949.

For most of his career, Charles worked as a pipefitter for Trans World Airlines where he was a proud member of the International Association of Machinists local 1650. Upon retirement from TWA, Charles started perhaps his favorite job driving a school bus for the North Kansas City School District. He particularly enjoyed driving the younger students and collected artwork and memorabilia from his time in the district.

Charles took up the game of golf later in life and enjoyed the outings with family. He was a lifelong fan of baseball but was always insistent that we leave the game in the eighth inning so we could “beat the traffic.” He watched most of the Royals games on television with Mary, his wife. He enjoyed conversation with friends and for several years hosted Thursday evening backgammon games. Mostly, Charles loved his family and Mary, his friend, wife, and companion of seventy-three years. He will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts to support the compassionate work of KC Hospice House at 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Missouri, 64145 (https://www.kchospice.org/donation/)

Charles will be inurned at White Chapel Cemetery on June 15th, 2023 at 10:30 am.