Carlton Thomas

OXFORD – Carlton F. Thomas, 91, of Woodland Drive, died Saturday, May 22, 2021, at the Overlook Masonic Health Center in Charlton.  He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Shirley A. (Briddon) Thomas of Oxford; five children, Garry L. Thompson and his wife Joyce of Hazlet, NJ, Cheryl D. Bengtson and her husband Jon of Douglas, Lois E. Bunker of Oxford, Heidi T. Kenney and her husband David of Hubbardston, and Paul C. Thomas and his wife Tammy of Archdale, NC; three stepchildren, Donna M. Wenc and her husband Rodney of Grafton, Michael L. Sabourin and his wife Ellen of Shrewsbury, and Robin L. Dryden and her husband Frederick of Oxford; a sister, Helen L. Soponski of Auburn; 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces.  He was predeceased by his wife, Lois M. (Thompson) Thomas who died in 1968; a granddaughter, Heather Thomas who died in 2016; and 10 brothers and sisters.  He was born in Auburn, son of the late Frank E. and Irma L. (Batchelder) Thomas, and lived in Auburn and Worcester before moving to Oxford in 1959.  He served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 – 1952 aboard the U.S.S. Coral Sea, with the rank of Aviation Store Officer 3rd Class.

Mr. Thomas owned and operated Carl’s Diner in Oxford for 23 years, retiring in 1995.  Previously, he worked for Wyman-Gordon in Grafton as a methods engineer.  As a young man, he worked for “Thomas Brothers Ice and Oil,” his father’s ice business.  Mr. Thomas was a member of the Oxford Business Association and the Oxford Lions Club.  He enjoyed golf, woodworking and camping, and was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan.

Services will be private.  Burial will be private at North Cemetery in Oxford.  Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.  Paradis-Givner Funeral Home in Oxford is directing the arrangements.