Croder C. Thomas

Our beloved, Croder C. Thomas was born at 12:00 a.m. on Monday, April 20th, 1925 in Providence, KY. He was the second child and only son to the late V.R. and Especulia Thomas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Ann Suggs Thomas, daughter Cheri Ann Thomas, sons Kenneth and Timothy Thomas, and his only sister Eleanor Thomas Hunt.

Croder accepted Christ at the age of 12 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Earlington, KY. He served in church choirs and as a quartet singer. Later he became a Trustee and a member of the Pastor’s Anniversary Committee.

Croder’s education J.W. Million High School in Earlington, KY. He was an all-star high school basketball player. Croder was a graduate of Western Kentucky Industrial and Technical School.

He was married to Ann Suggs “the love of his life” on August 2nd, 1949. They were married for forty-nine years.

He was an Army Veteran in WWII. While serving in the military, he received the ETO Medal with two bronze stars, the Asiatic Pacific Medal, Good Conduct Medal and WWII Victory Medal with Marksmen and Sharpshooter Medals. Serving in the 2nd Army, he served in both theaters in WWII before his honorable discharge.

He was employed by Columbia Construction of Nashville, TN where he was instrumental in helping to build the First Baptist Church in Madisonville, KY. He was later hired by First Baptist Church as the Superintendent of the Building and Grounds for Forty-five years. He was responsible for the hiring of maintenance personnel. Croder Thomas received many awards and accolades throughout his career. He was also a member of the NAACP.

Mr. Thomas was also a freelance writer. His literary credits included, “Industrial Supervisor Magazine, The Louisville Defender Newspaper, The Courier-Journal Magazine and the Church Administration Magazine.”

On March 30th, 2025, Croder C. Thomas departed this life to take his eternal rest.

He leaves to cherish precious memories, his Grandchildren: Colonious (C.C.) Thomas and Denika LaJoy Thomas, Indianapolis, IN; Great-Grandchildren: Malachi Thomas, Joshua Thomas and Caleb Thomas, Indianapolis, IN, Cameron Hurst, Madisonville, KY; Sister: Ludella Grinstead, Madisonville, KY; Great Nieces: Candice White, Tiffany Wolfork and Gina White, Indianapolis, IN; Godson: Brian (Lawanna) Brown, Indianapolis, IN, Special Friends Joe Evans, Peyton Adams, Madisonville, KY and Adrienne White, Clarksville, TN; and a host of other relatives and caring friends.