Calvin Custer Thomas

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Calvin Custer Thomas, age 84, resident of rural Fort Scott, died Thursday, April 10, 2008, at his home. He was born Nov. 24, 1923, in Canadian County, Okla., the son of Lloyd Thomas and Sibyl Roush Thomas. Calvin married Virginia M. Maxon, on Aug. 22, 1986, in Reno, Nev. Calvin served in the Merchant Marines from 1943 to 1946. He was a farmer/stockman active in conservation. He was a former member of the Bourbon County Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service, former member of the County Conservation Service committee, and a former member of the County Farmer's Home Administration. Calvin was active in the County 4-H, the Fort Scott Saddle Club, past president of Bourbon County Fair Association and past president of Farmer's Co-op Association. He sold farm real estate for Crain Realty for 10 years. He received the Banker's Award for soil conservation in 2002.

Survivors include his wife, Ginger, of the home; one step-son, Lloyd Houser and wife Judy, Fort Scott; two step-daughters, Mary Ann Dykstra, Bella Vista, Ark., and Jeannette M. Lovejoy and husband Jerry, Roseville, Calif.; and a niece, Carol Entsminger and husband David, El Paso, Texas. Also surviving are six step-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren and nine step-great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Evalyn Slaughter.

Following cremation, the Rev. Jared Witt will conduct memorial services at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday in the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in Lath Branch Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Lath Branch Cemetery Association and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of comfort may be e-mailed to condolences@cheneywitt.com.