— God has called another soldier home. On January 25, 2012, Clarence Edward Thomas Sr. joined the Lord’s army. Clarence was born July 28, 1943 in New Hope Community to Clarence Weldon Thomas and Bessie Berneice Thompson Thomas. He was their first born son. He was known as “Brother” by his siblings and “C.T.” by his friends and cousins.

Clarence attended DuBois Grade School and graduation from Manual Training High School in 1961. During high school he was a local member of NFA (New Farmers of America) and was a delegate at the National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. He furthered his education by attending Langston University in Langston Oklahoma and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture.

As a young boy, he accepted Christ at First Baptist of Summit. He sang in the choir and was a soloist at times. He was a loving father and brother. Clarence had a passion for singing, dancing and playing dominos. He loved to dress and keep up the latest style in men’s fashion.

Clarence was employed and retired with Wilson Foods as a USDA Federal Meat Inspector. He was one of the first African American’s in the state of Oklahoma to hold this position.

He was married to Annie Thressa Norton and to this union one son was born, Clarence Jr. The marriage was later dissolved.

He leaves to cherish his memories his son, Clarence Edward Thomas Jr, three brothers, Dr. Wilbur G. Thomas, Liberia, West Africa, Philemon M. Thomas and Gary L. Thomas of Muskogee, Oklahoma; five sisters, Betty L. Gibson of Long Island, New York, Lurlene Murray of Carrollton, Texas, Cora Bell Beasley and Betsy Lee Oakley of Muskogee, Oklahoma, Debra Fields (Ronald) of Garland Texas; 2 aunts, Rita Walker of Taft Oklahoma and Pearline Wallace of Muskogee Oklahoma and one uncle, Ozelle Thompson of Fresno, California and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A service of memory will be conducted Saturday, February 4, 2012, 11:00 a.m., First Baptist Church, Summit, OK; with Rev. Milton Colbert eulogizing.  Interment will follow in New Hope Community Cemetery, Okataha, OK. Visitation will be Friday, 1 to 6 p.m.

The family has been cared for by Granger-House of Winn.

Online condolence and registry may be expressed at www.houseofwinn.com