Charles Everett "Charlie" Thomas

Charles Everett Thomas, 87, of Moss Bluff died April 15, 2021 at home.

He was born in West Monroe, LA on September 28, 1933 to the now late Charles W. and Maxine H. Thomas.  He lived his early years in West Monroe, LA and graduated from Ouachita High School in Monroe, Class of 1952. 

His father and mother moved their family to Lake Charles in 1954.  Charlie worked with his dad for many years bottling and selling Royal Crown Cola and Nehi soft drinks.  He served his country in the US Army and did a tour of duty in Korea. 

After Charlie was married, he left the soft drink business and worked as a millwright for a short time.  Then in 1968, Richard A. Marriner, owner of Southwest Beverage Co., hired him and he worked there until 2015 for 47 years.  During his tenure at Southwest Beverage, he worked hard, advancing all the way up to sales manager.  He gained two nicknames: “Charlie T.” and “The Bud Man.”

Charlie was an avid street rodder.  He was a charter member of Calcasieu Street Rodders and was also a member of N.S.R.A., National Street Rod Association.  He enjoyed rod runs and car shows.  During his lifetime he had many cars, trucks, boats, and motorcycles.  His favorite motorcycles were Harley Davidsons, and he rode several of his own.

Preceding Charlie in death are his parents and his dear brother, Huey D. “Buster” Thomas.  Survivors include his wife of over 61 years, Lee.  He also leaves two daughters, Lesley Knight (Donnie) and Alyson Whitehouse (Jay).  His three grandchildren are Cameron Thomas, Joelle Whitehouse, and James Whitehouse.  He leaves one great granddaughter, Charlee Thomas.  He also leaves two sisters, Kaye Creel and Gaye Martin (Jeff).  These named survivors live in Southwest Louisiana.  Charlie cherished all his nieces and nephews.

Charlie was a good patriarch over his family and has wished them a final “hakuna matata.”  The family will have a hard time adjusting to his absence.

No funeral services will be held so as to honor Charlie’s wishes.  Arrangements were entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home.