Charles Thomas

Charles Thomas, affectionately known as CT to some, sadly passed away at the age of 73 on July 19, 2022 after talking and laughing with close family. The son of Lula Mae Conic, who preceded him in death, Charles was born September 15, 1948. After attending and graduating from Crane High School, Charles immediately enlisted in the Army branch of the military at the age of 18 and received an honorable discharge in 1970.

Charles started his career as an assembly line worker at formally known Quaker Oats, eventually climbing the corporate ladder becoming a Manager until he retired after 30 odd years from the company now known as Pepsico. He was a serious, committed and dedicated employee. However, as much as he was serious, he could always bring a smile and laughter to those he worked with. He was well loved by all of his colleagues and co-workers.

Charles was a people person. He could converse with anyone. With his infectious smile, he always enjoyed talking and laughing with others. In his younger years, Charles would often spend time with his favorite uncle, Uncle Boose, during his spare time working as a bartender and dj at his tavern. Charles not only talked to and played music for the many patrons at the tavern, but he also provided a listening ear. The tavern is also where he probably perfected his love of playing the card game “Spades”.

Charles loved playing spades and talking smack. He could often be found playing the game with his family at the “Family Dinner” or with his card playing buddies in the basement at the Country Club Hills Community Center.

In 1970 Charles met Ida Ross and to this relationship his daughter Lorine Ross was born. Charles later met and wed Burma, his wife of 34 years on April 30, 1988 and began his family; happily raising her daughter Summer like she was his own.

Charles leaves to cherish his memory his wife Burma Thomas of Country Club Hills, IL; daughter Lorine (Tyrone) Ross of Chicago, IL, step-daughter Summer (Dorie) Cole of Atlanta, GA; grandson Tyrone Knox Jr. of Chicago, IL; step-granddaughters Jorie and Sky Cole of Atlanta, GA; sisters Joyce Riley of Homewood, IL and JoAnn (Robert) Hall of Chicago, IL; aunts, Sadie Brooks and Mildred Jones, both of St. Louis, MO and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. His mother Lula Mae Conic and his siblings John L Bankston, Marlton Conic, Ruby Clark, Austin Conic, Lula Conic and Diane Conic all preceded him in death.