Charles Richard Thomas

Charles Richard Thomas, 90, of Coweta passed away Monday, October 19, 2026. Charles was born on October 28, 1935 the son of Leonard and Chessie Thomas. He attended Eastern Oklahoma State College for two years, NSU for one year and graduated from Friends University in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. On April 25, 1957, Charles married Shirley Beth Parsons. They were happily married for 69 years.

Charles was an art teacher who taught in Derby, Kansas for 12 years. He taught in Ohio at the Bath and Elida Schools for 5 years. After returning to Oklahoma, he taught at Porum for twenty-five years and then Quinton for two years.

Charles was also an ordained minister with the Churches of God. He served in several churches including Yates Center Church of God, Yates, KS, Erie Street Church of God, Wichita, KS, Market Street Church of God, Lima, OH, Tecumseh Church of God, Tecumseh, OK, Quinton First Church of God, Quinton, OK, Woodall Methodist Church, Woodall, OK, Braggs Methodist Church, Braggs, OK and Quinton Christian Church, Quinton, OK.

Charles is survived by his wife Shirley of the home; daughters: Regena Beth Reynolds of Quinton, Kathy Lynn Vester of Coweta, and Leasa Diann Kellerby of Broken Arrow; grandchildren David Reynolds, Julie Beth Eldridge & husband Heath, Justin Charles Vester and wife Natia, and Carissa Klein and husband Peter; great grandchildren Josiah Eldridge, Jarah Beth Eldridge, Jaxon Vester and Tyler Vester. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Charles is preceded in death by his father Leonard Thomas and his mother Chessie Thomas.

A funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 24, 2026 at the Quinton Church of God with Reverend Matt Raines and Heath Eldridge officiating. Pallbearers will be David Reynolds, Peter Klein, Heath Eldridge, Justin Vester, Josiah Eldridge and Jaxon Vester. Honorary pallbearers will be Tyler Vester, Ronnie Blankenship, Fred Russell, Chandler Warren, Chad Warren and Don Niblett.