Brigadier General Constantine Thomas, 82, of Palm Harbor, FL died on December 5, 2008 at Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor, FL of natural causes.
A native of Lowell, MA and a local resident since 1979, when he moved here from Warren, MI; he was a retired Brigadier General that served our nation for 32 years as an Infantry Officer and an Operations and Force Development Staff Officer. General Thomas was a member of Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Tarpon Springs, FL and a member of the Rotary and American Legion. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; a Purple Heart with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters; Bronze Star Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters; a Silver Star; Army Commendation Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters; Distinguished Flying Cross; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; National Defense Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Air Medal with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters; Commendation Ribbon with Medal Pendant; Good Conduct Medal; American Campaign Medal; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; Army of Occupation Medal (Germany); Combat Infantryman Badge (2nd Award); General Staff Identification Badge; French Feurragere; French Croix de Guerre; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Bronze Star; Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Devices; Vietnam Staff Service Medal First Class; Vietnam Service Medal; 4 Overseas Bars and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge. General Thomas last overseas assignment was Greece and his professional military schools include USAIS –Refresher Course; USA Intel School – Basic Investigation Course; USACGSC – Command & General Staff Officers Course and the US Army War College.
He is survived by his wife, Ethel Thomas of Palm Harbor, FL; three sons: William Thomas of Palm Harbor, FL; Theodore Thomas and his wife, Janice of Scottsdale, Arizona and Charles Thomas and his wife, Meri Beth of Silver Springs, MD and his two grandchildren: Nicholas Thomas and Stefanie Thomas.
Burial with full military honors will be at 9:00 AM, February 2, 2009 at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. With General Thomas services beginning at the Old Post Chapel located on Ft Meyers, VA. and concluding at the cemetery.
VETERANS FUNERAL CARE
1-727-524-9202
To: Mrs. Thomas and her family
I am sorry to hear about your loss. My heart and prayers go to you and your family during such a difficult time.
May God always bless you, and keep Mr. Thomas in peace.
Sincerely,
Inaria Powers,RNPatient Care Leader.
Mease Countryside Hospital
3 North
To Dad, An American Hero but even more so “MY HERO”.
How do you say goodbye and do justice to a man who was more than a multiple medal winner…a man who was an exceptional Dad. I know I wasn’t always the patient son, but the love I feel for you Dad shows no boundaries. I remember how you were there when my body was broken and battered, lifting up my body and spirits. That sly wry smile and twinkle in your eye when you played a prank on us. The tears in your eyes for the pride you felt for your sons. How you struggled with your disability so that you could give your family the joy of your presence for as long as your body and soul would allow. Dad, I know you are at peace now and that is some small consolation for you not being among your family. I will always have a void in my heart with your physical absence but I can only pray that the void over time will slowly be filled with your patience, love and tolerance for all those who crossed your path and had the honor of knowing you. Rest in peace with the angels my beloved Dad and I salute your love, dedication and sacrifice for your family and country. God bless you Dad. Your loving son, Bill
From a random guy in Colorado, I don’t know you, but I thank you for my freedom every day. Your service to our great nation will be known and remembered for generations.
Thoughts to family and friends,
Phil
Dear Mrs. Thhomas
Dear Mrs. Thomas and family. I have kept General Thomas in my prayers since our last meeting. I was honored to be your computer consultant and technician, and I loved General Thomas as a friend. Every Memorial Day I give special remembrance to him and his service. I know how hard it was for him in his last years of life and also how hard it was for you to care for him. Thank you for every kindness and consideration and special effort that you had to make on his behalf. May God rest his soul in heaven for all eternity.
Your friend always,
Bob Galbo, “Mr. Data”