Charles Robert Thomas, 90, of Owensboro, passed away on March 6, 2025, while under the care of Hospice of Western Kentucky. “Chuck,” as he preferred to be called, was born on January 31, 1935, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Roy and Iva Deal Thomas. The second child of a baker and a stay-at-home mom, Chuck grew up in the Detroit, Michigan area.
From a young age, Chuck showed a passion for learning. He taught himself mathematics, electronics, and photography and eventually earned his BS, three master’s degrees, and a doctorate. He earned a BS in Business Administration and an MS in Education from Wayne State University, a doctorate in Education from the University of Maine, an MS in Sociolinguistics from Georgetown University, and an MS in Computer Science from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. Sharing his love of learning, Chuck started his career as a grade school teacher and later became a college professor. He taught education classes at the University of Maine, where he taught his most well known student…the author Stephen King. He taught early childhood education classes at SUNY Oswego; education, psychology, and computer science at Bryan College; computer science at Covenant College; and computer science at Belhaven College before retiring in 1998. While teaching computer science, he held various part-time computer jobs that involved the early use of Artificial Intelligence in the 1980s and 1990s, including projects like the control of the Space Shuttle arm and fixing a roll problem on early stealth bombers. After retirement, as a member of the Bowling Green Area Microcomputer User Group, he volunteered to teach immigrants how to use a computer. He developed and maintained websites, including one for the city of Franklin, Kentucky. Additionally, he enjoyed working with electronics and developed an interest in languages. Chuck was also a gifted photographer who was involved in multiple photography clubs. He served in the US Army Reserves in the 300th Military Police POW Command in Michigan as a clerk and an administrative supervisor from 1957 until 1963, when he was honorably discharged having achieved the rank of Staff Sgt E-6.
Charles met the love of his life, Carole Ann Burkheiser, during his early college years. They married and started a family, raising four wonderful children together. He was deeply involved in his children’s lives and treasured the time he spent with them. Due to his work as either a student or professor, the family moved often, turning each relocation into an exciting adventure. In the summer of 1972, he taught classes at Western Washington University. To get there, they traveled west in a Chevy station wagon, pulling a Shasta trailer in which they spent the summer at a trailer park with a view of Mount Baker, creating an unforgettable experience for the entire family.
As his children matured and began their own families and careers, Chuck always made it a priority to visit and stay close despite the distance that separated them. He showed the same love and devotion to his grandchildren, ensuring each received special attention, highlighted by the cherished ice cream outings they shared.
Chuck’s faith in the Lord God guided him throughout his life, setting a strong foundation for his family. He was a member of Christ Presbyterian Church of Owensboro and an ordained ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church of America. Chuck had a lifelong passion for missions, and although he didn’t serve long term in a foreign country, he participated in mission work by hosting or visiting missionaries, praying and giving to missions, and providing IT support to missionaries. His unwavering devotion to faith and family continues to inspire his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who knew him.
Chuck leaves behind a legacy of devotion to family, steadfast faith, and a reminder to never stop learning. His memory endures, much like the humor he shared and the clever puns he always loved. Chuck was a selfless servant whose desire was for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to be glorified in all things.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Patricia and Roy Thomas and his nephew, Tony Thomas.
Those left to cherish his memory and follow his godly example include his loving wife of 69 years, Carole Burkheiser Thomas; children, Steven Thomas (Wendy), Kevin Thomas (Robin), Kathleen Hixson (Gary), and Keith Thomas (Treena); 16 grandchildren (8 girls and 8 boys) and 6 great-grandchildren.
The funeral service for Charles Thomas will be held at Christ Presbyterian Church of Owensboro on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Glenn Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will take place following the service at Owensboro Memorial Gardens.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Wycliffe Bible Translators (www.wycliffe.org) or Christ Presbyterian Church of Owensboro (www.cpcky.org).
Memories and condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.glenncares.com