Charles William Thomas, Sr.

Charles William Thomas, Sr., 82 years, of Perryville, MD, passed away Monday, February 2, 2026 in the Veterans Administration Philadelphia Healthcare System of Philadelphia, PA. Born August 3, 1943 in Perryville, MD, he was the son of the late John C. and Rebecca Sarah Simpers Thomas.

Charlie was a veteran of the U.S. Army and is retired from the former Chrysler Corporation of Newark, DE. He is survived by his sons, Charles W. Thomas, Jr. and James L. Thomas; daughter, Sarah Leavelle; step-son, Carl Phipps; 12 grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren.

Charlie was deeply devoted to the American Legion and the values the Legion represents. Over the years, he proudly served as Commander of the Susquehanna American Legion Post No. 135 and later the Commander of the NES District. In recognition of his dedication and leadership, Charlie was honored as a lifetime member of the Susquehanna American Legion Post No. 135 and a lifetime member of the Sons of the Susquehanna American Legion Squadron No. 135. He served as Commander of the SAL Squadron No. 135, Detachment Commander of the SAL, and Squadron Advisor for over 10 years.

Charlie was a lifetime member of the Perryville Fire Company, having joined in 1963. He served as a firefighter and driver before transitioning to Fire Police in his latter years. He served as Fire Police Lieutenant and was frequently one of the top responders in the fire police. For 20 years he served as chairman of the Fire Company Audit Committee. Charlie was elected to the Harford Cecil Firefighters Hall of Fame in 2024.

In addition to his parents, Charlie was preceded in death by his wife, Shonie Campbell Thomas; brothers, John L. Thomas, Claude Thomas and Wilton Thomas; and sisters, Nancy Barr and Peggy Thomas.

A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026, 1 PM, at the Community Fire Company of Perryville Minker Hall. Visitation for family and friends will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, 12 Noon until 1 PM, at Minker Hall prior to the Celebration of Life service. Pastor Michael A. Caldwell of the Asbury Methodist Church of Port Deposit, MD, will officiate. Interment will be in Asbury Cemetery, Port Deposit, MD.