Alonzo Charlie Charles Thomas

Charlie was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on March 5, 1936 to Edith Thomas, raised by his stepfather and mother, John and Edith Black. Entering the United States Army, he served from 1954 to 1956, earning a Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal. Charlie was a member of the Tulare Amvets, Post 56. He retired in 1998. Prior to retirement he enjoyed a career consisting of buying and selling furniture and appliances. He was a great repairmen, as well as part owner of Charlie’s Auction and later became owner of Charlie’s Furniture which was located downtown Tulare. The furniture and repair business was a talent he learned and loved earlier in life working at The House of Paul in SoCal. Charlie was attending First Apostolic Church of Tulare where he was greatly loved. His hobbies included watching wrestling, western movies, telling stories, jokes and hugs. Charlie’s greatest enjoyment in life was his family. He was a wonderful father figure, friend and a hero, especially to his grandchildren of whom he helped raise. Charlie will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and one sister.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 32 years, Kathy of Tulare; seven children and seventeen grandchildren, Bobby Lyons and his children Katrina and Shayna, Janet Thomas and her children, Jewel, Patrick and Kelly, Judy Burgo and her children, Nick and Chris, Elizabeth Albertson (Jay) and their children, Nina, Angel, Mary and Amanda, Chuck Thomas and his child, Chucky, Lori Dunagan and her children, Tabitha and Levi, Michelle Bailey (Steve) and their children, Jordan, Chris and Chase, in addition to seventeen great grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at Church of God, 6416 Avenue 308 in Goshen, California with Reverend Emzy Copy officiating.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.