Charles "Choo" Douglas Thomas' Obituary
Charles “Choo” Douglas Thomas passed away at his home in Norman, Oklahoma, on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, after a long and courageous fight with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 72 years old.
Choo was born in Miami, Oklahoma, on November 24, 1953, and was raised in Fairland, Oklahoma along with his brother and sisters. He was a high school state champion in track and a runner-up in football two years in a row, though you would never know it unless someone else told you. A quiet and disciplined man, he dedicated much of his life to education, spending many years serving northeast Oklahoma as a teacher, coach, and administrator, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students and athletes. Many knew him as Mr. Thomas, fewer as Coach, and even fewer as a friend, but all would say that he was a good man who treated everyone fairly.
He loved his family dearly, and you would be hard pressed to find him spending time with anyone other than his wife, children, brother, sisters, and extended family. You would find them gathered at Granny and Papa's house in Fairland, walking fencerows hunting quail, or out on the lake crappie fishing.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Thomas; his daughter, Rachel Thomas; his son and daughter-in-law Nash & Venus Thomas; his sister Brenda Shortt; along with many loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Marjorie & Bob Thomas; his sister Colleen Thomas; his brother Duane Thomas; his brother-in-law, Poncho Shortt; and nephew-in-law Robert Hoffman.
Visitation
Visitation for Choo will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Miami, Oklahoma.
Celebration of Life
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the Fairland High School Gym.
While the family is grateful for the flowers already sent, they'd ask that any further gifts go toward the family's foundation, which is currently being established. The Thomas family has deep roots in Fairland, and this foundation will keep that connection alive for generations to come. It will support students in the Fairland school district by helping meet essential needs, including school meals and clothing, so every child can attend school with dignity, take pride in who they are, and go on to do great things. Choo spent his career quietly doing good for others, often without anyone knowing, and this foundation will carry that legacy forward. The family will share more details about the foundation on social media in the coming weeks.
Services are under the care of Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairland, Oklahoma.
Friends and family may send the family notes of encouragement by viewing Choo's Tribute Page at www.brown-winters.com.
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