Charles "Charlie" Thomas Jr.
May 21, 1933 - February 28, 2023
 

Charlie was born on May 21, 1933, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to parents Harriett (Nye) and Charles Flemming Thomas Sr. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Cedar Rapids in 1951 where he played football and basketball. 

He married Dolores Petsel on August 27, 1953, and she traveled with him to Louisiana where he was stationed with the Army during the Korean War. When he was discharged from the Army, they returned to Cedar Rapids where he worked at Witwer’s Grocery. 

In 1964 he joined the Cedar Rapids Police Department, retiring in 1988. He was on the board of the Iowa State Police Association, becoming president in 1984. He participated in many sports in his lifetime. He enjoyed speed skating, winning the Silver Skates competition in Cedar Rapids. He played football while in the army and basketball in a police department league. He was in many bowling leagues and played golf. Softball was a sport he enjoyed for many years where he helped create the Cedar Rapids Softball Hall of Fame and became a member. For fun, he enjoyed swimming, water skiing and was an avid Hawkeye Fan.

He enjoyed trips to Las Vegas and visited Hawaii for his 25th Anniversary. He was a great fisherman, teaching his family how it was done and always loved spending time “Up North” fishing with this family. 

He was well loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. One of his greatest joys was the hugs he always received from his family. He always said, “If I can’t make somebody smile, I might as well not be here”.

He is survived by his son, Chuck (Sherry) Thomas, daughter, Deb (Ron) Steitz; grandchildren, Austin and Heather Thomas, Karen Feltman, and Jeremy (Stacy) Steitz.  Great-grandchildren; Belle and Melanie Hansen, Jaxson Fitzpatrick, Cassidy, Alivia and Brody Steitz, his brother Dan (Twyla) Thomas and many nieces and nephews.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Jo Ann, and his beloved wife of 62 years, Dolores, in 2016.  

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday March 6, 2023, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. Entombment will be in Cedar Memorial Park Mausoleum. A visitation will be held on Sunday March 5, 2023, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 2-5 p.m. 

The family has requested all visitors and guests to wear some form of Hawkeye Apparel for the visitation.