Charles Lamar Thomas, 77, of Nederland, died Sunday, February 27, 2011, at Magnolia Manor in Groves.  He was born June 26, 1933, in Hall Summit, Louisiana and moved to Nederland as a junior high student to live with his sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. C.M. Hanna.  He graduated from Nederland High School, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Lamar State College of Technology and a Master of Education degree from Stephen F. Austin State College.  His career as a teacher, coach and administrator with the Nederland Independent School District lasted from 1956 until his retirement in 1989.  He also served one term as a school trustee.

He enjoyed all sports in which Nederland students participated.  Other special interests were traveling, fishing, hunting, and drinking coffee with the guys at McDonald’s and Dairy Queen.

Charles is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Frances Thomas of Nederland; children, Sharon Montgomery, Lori Thomas and Craig Thomas, all of Houston; sisters, Viola Thomas and Judy Nichols of Nederland; brother, L.G. Thomas of Sibley, Louisiana; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, the Revered O.W. Thomas, Sr and Lillie Kolb Thomas; sisters, Ruth Hanna, Vivian Gibson, and Elaine Mundis; and brothers, Julian, O.W. Jr., Joe, John and Bob Thomas. 

His funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 3, 2011, at Broussard’s, 505 12th Street, Nederland, with a private graveside service for the family to follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches. A gathering of his family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, 2011, at Broussard’s.

The family is grateful for the kindness and compassion shown to Charles during his illness by private caregiver Ruth Wilson, Dr. William George, the staff and employees of Magnolia Manor and of Odyssey Hospice.

If desired, memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Humane Society of Southeast Texas, P.O. Box 1629, Beaumont, Texas 77704, or to your favorite charity.