Donald C. Thomas , age 92 of Anderson and formerly of Elwood, passed away on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at Northview Health and Living in Anderson following a brief illness.  He was born April 4, 1929 in Elwood, the son of William and Ethel Mae (Payne) Thomas, Sr.  Don was a 1947 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School.  He married Clemence R. "Kem" (Baker) Obrien on April 6, 1979 and they shared over 42 years of marriage until she passed away just recently in April of 2021.  Don worked in production control at Delco Remy in Anderson for more than 25 years of which he hated every minute.  During their years together, Don and Kem loved to spend winters in Florida and California; and they found as much joy in their travels as in their destinations.  Don was the delight of his family who will dearly miss his huge heart, contagious smile, his easy laugh, and hearing wonderful stories of his childhood.  He was fun to be around and made the most of every moment.  Don especially enjoyed eating every meal.  His family knows that after his passing at 7:37 am, Don had already found the best steak restaurant in Heaven by 7:45 am.

Don's family includes 4 children, Timothy (wife Toby) Thomas of Chesterfield, Toni (husband Doug) Knopp of Hemet, CA, Patrick Thomas of Sylmar, CA, and Leslie Thomas (husband Jack Parker) of Elwood; 9 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; life-long friends, Danny Green, Don Allen, and Bill Allen; brother-in-law, Bill Thompson; and several special nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Clemence "Kem" Thomas; 2 brothers, Edward Thomas and William Thomas, Jr.; 2 sisters, Virginia Beals and Delberta Mauck; and great-grandson, Derek J. Thomas.

A funeral service celebrating Don's life will be conducted at 3:00 pm on Friday, June 4, 2021 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Rodney Ellis of the First Missionary Baptist Church officiating.  Cremation will follow the service, and burial will take place at a later date in Sunset Memorial Park in Elwood.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 1 to 3 pm on Friday, prior to the funeral at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Social distancing at the funeral home is encouraged, and face coverings are at the discretion of visitors.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Vermillion Place in Anderson through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.