Charles Thomas

Thomas, Charles Port Charlotte, Florida and Grand Rapids, Michigan Age 78, passed away on February 8, 2015 in Port Charlotte. Charlie was born July 4, 1936, in Grand Rapids MI to Esther M. and Michael Thomas. He became a self-made, accomplished man at the young age of 16, starting a dairy farm with His "Pa." Later, in partnership with his brother Fred, they took over their father's machine shop, "ITM," with Charlie automating what his "Pa" machined by hand. Charlie left "ITM" to start his own machining factory, "Metric Manufacturing." His sons Chuck and Greg with partner Pat Gilbert continued said factory. Today Metric is celebrating 37 years with presently 150 employees. Charlie lived each day to the fullest on his own terms. Besides being an entrepreneur, inventor, he was an adventurous pilot, motorcyclist, boater and operator of anything that moved. He had a passion for hard work and play and relished great gratification that came with it. Charlie was a giving man and along life's journey, he helped and donated to various individuals, whether starting a business or building a home for children in a foreign country and giving riverfront acreage for a park in Lowell, MI. He was a member of the royal Order of Conquistadors, Punta Gorda Elks, Lodge #2606 in Port Charlotte and the Port Charlotte Moose #2121. Charlie enjoyed and cherished his family and many friends. He is survived and will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Sheri; children, Charles S. Thomas, Gregory A. Thomas, Lisa B. Thomas, Heather N. Rosenwald, Gregory P. Rosenwald and Anson N. Rosenwald; grandchildren, Heather N (Brad) Zahm, Michael S. Thomas. Brandon Murray, Matthew M. Rosenwald, Michael D. Rosenwald, Colin Gomez, Gavin Gomez and great-grandchildren, Olivia J. Zahm and Grace E. Zahm. He is also survived by brothers, John and David (Elaine) Thomas and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Fred Thomas. The family invites Charlie's friends to share in a "Celebration of Life" on February 26, 2015 from 4:00 6:00 p.m. at the Watermark Prop., 5500 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Charlie may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929