Donald Clark Thomas

Donald “Don” Clark Thomas, 84, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2022 surrounded by his family. He was born on August 22, 1938 in Seymour, Illinois to the late Clark and Phyllis Thomas. There, he was raised as a farm boy and played football while attending Mahomet High School.

On January 21, 1957, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at just 18 years old. During his 20 years of service, he had numerous commendations and meritorious service awards. He then retired as a Chief Petty Officer and went on to spend 30 years in the Civil Service at the Personnel Support Detachment at Norfolk Naval Station. During this time, he also obtained two degrees from Tidewater Community College.

Donald was an avid world traveler during his time in the Navy and it was while being stationed in Naples, Italy, that he met Ines, his beloved wife of 62 years. The pair shared love at first sight and married at the Church of Santo Strato on July 23, 1960. Together they raised four sons while living in multiple places before settling permanently in Norfolk, Virginia. This is where the official roots were planted, as the family grew into multiple generations, creating a legacy that Donald always took great pride in.

He had a love for fishing and hunting with his sons and grandsons and enjoyed bowling on a league with Ines. He also coached baseball and basketball while living in Italy; and always rooted for the Chicago Bears and Cubs. Donald spent many hours watching Western films and listening to his favorite artists like Dean Martin, Claudio Villa, Frank Sinatra, Hank Williams and Johnny Cash. He had a hobby in woodworking and most of all, a passion for storytelling.

He was predeceased by his sisters Marianna Forrestal and Wanda Lou Early; nephew Mike Early; nieces Patty Early and Becky Read; and great granddaughter Daphne Thomas.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ines Thomas; his four sons, Mark (Kate), Danny, Steve, Paul (Kathy); his daughter-in-law, Lori; his bonus son, Ron Brown; ten grandchildren, Cassie (Tony), Scott (Cheyenne), Melissa, Kristina (Cole), David (Kelly), Hayley (Colin), Kelsey, Derek (Jocelyn), Zack (Amber), and Kaitlyn (Brandon); his six great grandchildren, Wyatt, Sawyer, Natalie, Maverick, Charlotte, and Savannah; his nephew, David (Kathy); and extended family.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 from 6:00 to 8 p.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home at 6329 East Virginia Beach Blvd. A funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 8, 2022 at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Burial will follow immediately at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.