Charles Owen Thomas, 81, of Bonner Springs, Kansas passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2023. Charles was born on February 2, 1942, in Kansas City Kansas, the son of Leonard and Helen Thomas of Turner, Kansas. He graduated from Turner High School in 1960 and received his J..D from the University of Kansas in 1967. Charles married Sandra Simmons on October 10, 1964. He spent 40 years practicing law, most recently as the Business/Legal Director of USD 204. He earned the title of Director Emeritus at Vaughn Trent Community Services Inc., in 2022 in honor of his long service. He was also a proud supporter of the Kansas Democratic Party. Charles enjoyed music, playing saxophone in various jazz and swing bands from a teenager into adulthood and singing in musicals and choirs.

Charles had a long-standing love/hate relationship with the Kansas City Royals and never missed a game – which usually involved lots of yelling and pounding on tables. He had no love of seatbelts, which resulted in much foul language while trying to buckle up and a few citations. Above all things, he demonstrated unconditional love and tremendous pride in his family.

Charles is pre-deceased by his wife, Sandra. He is survived by two children, daughter Emily (Bob) Dykes of Bonner Springs, Kansas, and son Christopher (Emily) Thomas of Portland, Oregon, four grandchildren, Paul and Charlotte Dykes and Owen and Lena Thomas. He is also survived by a sister Lea (John) Hoerner of England, and a brother Jim (Rusty) Thomas of McLouth, Kansas.

At Charles' request, no service will be held. Remembrances can be shared at https://www.cremationcenterkc.com/ Charles dedicated many years of his life to serving the community of Bonner Springs in part by volunteering at Vaughn Trent Community Services Inc. If you are so moved, please consider a donation in Charles' name. Learn more at http://www.vaughntrent.org/ .