Carl A. Thomas, age 86 of Battle Creek, went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, August 26, 2012 at his home, surrounded by family. He was born on July 5, 1926 in Rhea County, Tennessee the son of Fred A. and Maude B. (Webb) Thomas. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII aboard the LST 1106. Carl was a truck driver all his life working for Battle Creek Ice Company, Starkweather Beverage, National/Big D Foods and Clark Equipment from which he retired in 1986. He had also owned and operated his own steel hauler at one time. On September 12, 1948, in Chattanooga, TN, he was united in marriage to Shirley Mae Avery, who preceded him in death on August 3, 2012. They would have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary this September. Carl was a member of the Bedford Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star, and Royal Arch. He enjoyed NASCAR, Detroit Tiger baseball and gardening as well as the monthly breakfast with his fellow truck drivers from Clark Equipment. Carl was especially devoted to his family, and enjoyed being with others and making them laugh. Surviving are three children: Linda (James) Hooper, Michael Thomas and Sharon (Rick) Britten all of Battle Creek; 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Carl was also preceded in death by a grandson, Craig Guffey and three brothers: Ray, Dewey and Bobbi Thomas. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 29th at the funeral home with The Rev. Brad Smith of Grace Community Church officiating. Entombment will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the American Lung Association or Southern Care Hospice of Kalamazoo.
