Charles Wayne Thomas was born August 7, 1928 and died August 29, 2014, at the age of 86. Charles spent his lifetime loving God, his family and people. He was an ordained Christian minister and spent 35 years in full-time vocational ministry, preaching in churches in Kansas and Oklahoma. In 1971, Charles earned a Master's Degree from Oklahoma State University.

A few years later, he changed the venue of his ministry to the field of addiction recovery counseling, where he built an enduring legacy.

He was a respected authority in the field of addiction recovery in the State of Oklahoma, having been honored by the agencies which govern addiction recovery practice here. His office wall was covered with certifications, awards and honors. But the real trophies are the lives who were changed by the grace of God through Charles' mercy and steady encouragement.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, Larry Wayne Thomas, and his wife of 62 years, Anita Givens Thomas. He is survived by his children, Sandy Thomas Ward (Sam), of Kansas City, KS; Steve Thomas (Debbie) of Las Vegas; Ken Thomas, of Tulsa; Phil Thomas (Lisa) of Stillwater, OK. Grandchildren, Patrick Thomas (Jill) of Decatur, TX; Becky Thomas Wiley (Dustin) of Edna, KS; Katie Thomas Atkinson (Tom) of Uffenheim, Germany; Jenny Thomas Fay (Garett) of Las Vegas; Courtney Thomas of Oklahoma City, OK ; Zach Thomas of Stillwater, OK; seven great-grand children; and a host of friends. Viewing will be on September 9, from 10 a.m. to 8p.m. at Moore Rosewood. Memorial services will be held in Tulsa at the Highland Park Christian Church September 10, at 10 a.m. Memorial contributions can be made to Highland Park Christian Church Celebrate Recovery.