Charles "Chuck" R. Thomas entered eternal rest on September 9, 2026, at the age of 79, in the loving presence of those he cherished most. Charles was a devoted naturalist, environmental scientist, educator, and conservationist. Charles will be remembered for his lifelong dedication to understanding and protecting the natural world, and for many people he inspired along the way.

Charles was the beloved son of the late William and Anna (nee Brill) Thomas, and dear brother of the late Marian (Phillip) C. Simoni and Ann (Eugene) LeMasters.

Charles was blessed with the enduring friendship of Francis J. Pinkerton and the late Michael E. Sunderland Jr., who held a special place in his life.

A 1965 graduate of Bedford High School, Charles continued his education at Bowling Green State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1969 and a Master of Arts degree in 1970.

Charles dedicated his professional life to environmental stewardship. From 1970 to 1978, he worked as an environmental consultant with Dalton-Dalton-Little & Newport, now URS Consultants. In 1978, he joined Cuyahoga County Engineers, serving as Environmental Affairs Officer until 2003. He then joined the Division of Natural Resources at Cleveland Metroparks as a researcher.

His commitment to nature extended well beyond his professional responsibilities. Charles became a volunteer naturalist for Cleveland Metroparks in 1987 and created the long-running Woodlands of Bedford program. Through this work, he shared his extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for the forests, plants, and natural history of the region with countless members of the community.

Charles' greatest passion was plant ecology and conservation. He devoted himself to studying plant distribution and rare species and worked closely with local and state plant specialists on conservation measures. His deep knowledge, careful observation, and willingness to share his expertise earned him the respect of colleagues and fellow naturalists.

He was a member of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Holden Arboretum, The Nature Conservancy, and the Ohio Academy of Science.

Charles was also a dedicated mentor. He worked with graduate and undergraduate students at Cleveland State University and John Caroll University, encouraging young people to pursue their interests in science, ecology, and conservation. His influence lives on through those he taught, mentored, and inspired.

Those who knew Charles will remember his extraordinary knowledge of the natural world, his curiosity, quiet dedication, and generosity in sharing what he discovered. He had a remarkable ability to help others see the beauty and importance of the landscape around them.

Charles leaves behind a lasting legacy in the natural areas he studied, the conservation efforts to which he contributed, the Woodlands of Bedford program he created, and the generations of students, colleagues, volunteers, and community members whose lives he touched.

His love of nature was not simply a profession-it was a way of life. Through his work and his example, Charles helped others understand that protecting the natural world begins with taking the time to know it, appreciate it, and care for it.

Private Services were held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Brook Park, Ohio.

Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Andras Crematory & Funeral Home, Lorain.