Obituary for Charles "Chuck" L. Thomas
Charles “Chuck” L. Thomas, of Portland, passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2019 on his 86th birthday. He was born on March 7, 1933 in Ionia, the son of Charles and Elizabeth Thomas, Sr. Chuck was member of the First Congregational Church in Portland. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and was a member of the V.F.W. Post #4090. Chuck retired from T.R.W. in 1995 after 37 years of service and was a “loyal” Detroit Lions fan. He graduated from Portland High School in 1950 and was an avid Raider football fan. He and the 1949 football team were inducted in the Portland High School Hall of Fame and he was also inducted for the 1950 season (tight end) individually. He enjoyed bowling and was a member of the Herm Huhn Hall of Fame.
Chuck loved his family and will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Philip Thomas (whom he shared a birthday with). Surviving are his beloved wife of 61 years, Marlene (Reahm); daughters, Kelly (Jack) Griffin and Kathy (Greg) Foote both of Portland; grandchildren, Alaina Keller and Charles Jordann Griffin and Branden (fiancée, Tessa Aungst) Foote and Olivia Foote; brothers, Larry (Rosie) Thomas, Bill (Barb) Thomas, Bob (Pat) Thomas; sister-in-law, Sherilyn Thomas; and many nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be conducted by Pastor April Barrett at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at the First Congregational Church, 421 E. Bridge St., Portland. Interment will be in Portland Cemetery. Military graveside honors will be provided by the V.F.W. Post #4090. The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m., Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at the Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge St., Portland and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.