IN MEMORY

Charles (Ted) Thomas

Reverend Charles Theodore "Ted" Thomas, pastor of St. Mary, St. Ladislas and Corpus Christi Churches, died early Easter morning, April 24. 2011. The son of Pete and Lillian (Smith) Thomas, he was born in Columbus on September 24, 1947. He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mary (Leo) LaPointe, Helen (Dick) Rohrer and Martha, brothers George, John (Mary), brother-in-law Chuck Oliver. He is survived by brothers, Jim (Doris), Joe (Pat), and Leo (Gerry); sisters, Betty (Ted) Jasper and Dorothy Oliver; and sister-in-law, Lettie; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear and close friends, many of whom became part of his extended family. Father Thomas attended Holy Name and Sacred Heart Elementary Schools, Columbus and Bishop Watterson High School and St. Charles College Seminary in Columbus, earning a B.A. in Philosophy in 1969. He subsequently studied theology at Mount St. Mary of the West Seminary, Norwood, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1973 with a Masters of Divinity, as well as earning a Masters of Arts in History from Xavier University, Cincinnati, in 1972. He was ordained to the Priesthood May 26, 1973 by the Most Reverend Archbishop Joseph Bernardin. Father Thomas served as Associate Pastor at St. Mary Church, Portsmouth (1973-78); Associate Director of Vocations and instructor (1978-81), providing weekend assistance at Our Lady of Lourdes, Marysville (1980-81); Administrator, Pro-Tem at St. Timothy Church, Columbus (1981). He served as Pastor of St. Thomas, Columbus (1981-82); St. Timothy Church, Columbus (1982-92); Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Ada (1992-96); St. Vincent de Paul Church, Mt. Vernon, (1996-2006); St. Mary Church, Columbus (2006-2011); Corpus Christi and St. Ladislas Churches, Columbus, while continuing as Pastor of St. Mary Church (2010-2011). In addition, he taught at Notre Dame High School, Portsmouth (1973.-78), Bishop Hartley High School (1978-80) and Bishop Watterson High School (1980-81); Judge for the Marriage Tribunal (1987-94); Episcopal Vicar for Communications Pro-Tem and Diocesan Director of Campus Ministry (1993-2006) while also serving as Catholic Chaplain to Kenyon College (1996-2006). He served as Editor Pro-Tem of the Catholic Times (1997-1998) and for many years was a regular contributor to the Catholic times. Father Ted loved working with youth groups, often hosting parties or being the driver for field trips. He also loved cooking, eating and sharing meals and traveling with his fellow priests. He had a wonderful gift for making people feel very special. His loving, caring, funny spirit and acceptance of all of God's children allowed him to accomplish much and endear him to all. He touched many lives and will be so greatly missed. Father Thomas' body will be received at St. Mary Church, 672 S. Third Street, Columbus, Ohio on Wednesday, where friends may call from 2-7 p.m., and will lie in state until the Funeral Mass at 11am. Thursday. Most Rev. Bishop Frederick F. Campbell, Celebrant Burial at St. Joseph Cemetery will take place following the Funeral Liturgy. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Mary Church, 672 S. Third Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43206. Arrangements are under the care of the MAEDER-QUINT-TIBERI FUNERAL HOME, 614-444-1185. To sign the online register, visit www.MaederQuintTiberi.com.