Calvin Thomas Sr

Calvin Roland Thomas Sr. age 85, transitioned peacefully, surrounded by his family, at Mt. Carmel St. Ann's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio on September 24th, 2014. He was born December 12, 1928 in Annapolis, Maryland to William Everett and Arie Thomas. He was the second of thirteen children. He was preceded in death by his wife Desma, his parents, siblings, John R., Gloria, Barbara and Irene Thomas, Donald, Ronald and Glennola Stansbury, Beluah Brown and Frances Hayes. Calvin joined the Army services at an early age to help his family financially. Years later while he was stationed in Columbus, Ohio, he met and eventually married Desma Lee Tidmore on October 2, 1953. He received the Bronze Star Medal amongst many commendations and retired from the Army after 24 years of service at the rank of Master Sergeant E8 from Fort Lee, Virginia with an Honorable Discharge. Calvin also retired from the United States Post Office after 20 years of service. He also worked for Riverside Methodist Hospital and many years for Diversified Community Services where he ultimately retired 2013. Calvin was a charter member of Rock of Faith Baptist Church serving faithfully since 1973. As a devoted member he served on the Deacon board, church board and as an Elder. Calvin is survived by his children Deborah (Van) Chambers, Calvin (Valerie) Thomas Jr., Kerry (Retta) Thomas Sr., Kevin (Carol) Thomas Sr., Denise (Antonio) Rodriquez and Dorothy (Carl) Diggs. He is also survived by his two brothers, Lloyd (Rose) Thomas, James W. Thomas and Wayland Blackwell, sister Maggie Williams, and sister-in-law Faye Stansbury, 19 grandchildren; Steven, Shanelle and Michael Chambers; Shannon Smith and Kayland Riley; Kerry Jr. and Reina Thomas; Indica, Devin, Kevin Jr., Chad, Ireya, Danielle, and Malika Thomas; Angelica, Antonio Jr. and Victor Rodriguez; China, and Chelsie Doughty; 15 great grandchildren, sisters-in-law, Juanita Rickman, Jeanette Riley, and Jacqueline Tidmore; brother-in-law, Willis Scott; and a host of other in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, church family and neighbors who loved and adored him.