Charles R. Thomas

With deep love and gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Charles "Charlie" Thomas on September 14. Charlie passed away peacefully at home, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of family, friendship, generosity, and community. Though his absence will be deeply felt, we take comfort in knowing he left this world the same way he lived in it: quietly, peacefully, and entirely on his own terms.

Charlie was born on April 4, 1945, in Caldwell, Ohio, to Edward and Edna Thomas. He grew up alongside his brother and a close-knit group of cousins who lived across the street. After high school, his college plans were interrupted by service in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he returned to Kent State University, earning a degree in Managerial Marketing from the College of Business.

While working at The Loft, Charlie met Diane, the love of his life. Together they shared 52 years of love, laughter, and unwavering companionship. Through every chapter of life, they remained each other's best friend, finding their greatest joy in life's simple moments: sharing a glass of wine, good conversation, and time together.

In 1978, Charlie purchased Ray's Place, beginning a more than four-decade commitment to the Kent community. Under his leadership, Ray's became far more than a restaurant. It became a gathering place where students, faculty, residents, businesses, and visitors came together to celebrate milestones, create traditions, and build lasting friendships.

Despite his success, Charlie never sought recognition. He preferred to encourage others and celebrate their accomplishments rather than his own. Wherever Charlie went, complete strangers would often strike up a conversation after noticing the Ray's Place T-shirt or hearing he was from Kent. They would enthusiastically share stories about their favorite meals, celebrations, and memories at Ray's, never realizing they were talking to the man who owned it. Charlie would simply smile, listen, and enjoy hearing their stories, rarely revealing his connection to the restaurant. If the truth came out, it was usually because Diane or one of his sons couldn't resist mentioning it. Charlie never sought recognition for what he built. Knowing that Ray's Place had become such a meaningful part of so many lives was more than enough for him.

His generosity extended well beyond Ray's Place. He quietly supported local charities and social service organizations, often donating food, resources, and financial assistance anonymously. Helping others was never about recognition; it was simply who he was.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Edna Thomas; cousins Joe Snider and Norma Arnold; nephew Eric Bohn; and brother-in-law Joseph DeRoberts.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 52 years, Diane DeRubertis; his sons, Cameron (Jasmine), Connor (Phil), and Lake (Nadija); and his cherished grandchildren, Lakelynn, Lily, and Jagger. He is also survived by his brother, Francis Thomas; former sister-in-law, Elise Thomas; nieces and nephew Erin Kessler (Kevin), Josie Porter (Clint), and Alex Thomas.

Charlie also leaves behind sisters- and brothers-in-law Cathy Smith (Tim), Joann Cline (Sam), Marlene Pickney (Dave), David DeRoberts (Amy), and Mark DeRoberts (Mary Beth); nieces and nephews Ric Clouse (Carin), Cara Clouse, Heather Cline (Nick), Ryan Bohn (Jessica), Alainna Greene (Josh), Tony DeRoberts (Bonnie), and Autumn DeRoberts (Taylor); along with many great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss him greatly.

Music was one of Charlie's greatest passions. Whether sharing it with a crowded room or enjoying it on his own, he found joy in every note. Through Mother's, the upstairs venue at Ray's Place in the early years, he brought people together with live bands, reggae, jazz, and countless memorable events. His love of music extended far beyond Ray's Place, and he remained an enthusiastic concertgoer with an appreciation for every genre.

His sons will miss the simple moments: cheering on Ohio State football, the Browns, and the Cavaliers together; sitting by the fire at the family cottage in Michigan's Upper Peninsula; and the regular dinners and phone calls where life's everyday joys and challenges were shared.

Family and friends will forever cherish the traditions Charlie created and the gatherings that brought everyone together: the iconic Ray's Picnic, the legendary Champagne Brunch, Christmas Eve Wine Tasting, Super Bowl Spaghetti Fest, New Year's Day Bonny Brie, Fourth of July celebrations, and countless other occasions filled with laughter, friendship, great food, and flowing conversation.

Above all, Charlie believed life was meant to be enjoyed. He encouraged those around him to make the most of every day, often with two simple words: "Go crazy." It was lighthearted, a little mischievous, and unmistakably Charlie. For his family and friends, those words will always bring a smile and serve as a reminder to embrace life with the same joy and enthusiasm he did.

Honoring Charlie's wishes, there will be no calling hours or traditional funeral service. Charlie spent his life bringing people together, and we can think of no better way to honor him than by gathering to celebrate the friendships, memories, and traditions he created.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM Sunday, October 11, 2026, at American Legion Post 496, 1945 Mogadore Rd Kent, OH 44240.

In true Charlie fashion, guests are encouraged to leave formal attire at home and wear shorts and T-shirts as we come together to share memories, laughter, and stories of a life well-lived.

In honor of Charlie's lifelong commitment to entrepreneurship, community, and helping others, memorial contributions may be made to the Ray's Place Entrepreneurship Scholarship (Fund #30846), c/o Kent State University Foundation, or to Kent Social Services.

Services in care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 West Main Street, Kent, OH 44240.