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P.O. Box 146
NEGAUNEE, MI 49866
Phone: 906-475-4631
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CLARENCE THOMAS
In Memory of
CLARENCE RUSSELL "Coke"
THOMAS
1919 - 2017
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Koskey Funeral Home Inc.
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Obituary for CLARENCE RUSSELL "Coke" THOMAS

CLARENCE RUSSELL "Coke"  THOMAS
Clarence Russell ‘Coke’ Thomas
Negaunee
Clarence Russell ‘Coke’ Thomas, 97, formerly of Owaissa St., Negaunee and Big Shag Lake, Gwinn, passed away Thursday morning, January 19, 2017 at the Eastwood Nursing Center in the loving care of his family.
Coke was born October 5, 1919 in Negaunee to Ira and Jennie (Rund) Thomas and graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of ’37. Following high school he met the love of his life, Janetta Medlyn and they were united in marriage on June 14, 1941. Coke was employed as a teamster, miner and railroader before enlisting in the United States Army. He served as a Corporal in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre of Operations during World War II, and was honorably discharged in January, 1946. Following his service to his country he continued his education, earning his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Northern Michigan University in 1948 and then his Master’s Degree in Counseling and Administration in 1965.
Mr. Thomas began his career in 1949 as a science teacher at the National Mine School. His role changed in 1965 as he served the Champion School District as both a teacher and guidance counselor, and then again in 1969 as he also became the principal. With the formulation of the NICE Community School District in 1972, Coke assumed the full-time position of principal, retiring in 1981 after 32 years of service in public education.
Clarence was a member of Mitchell United Methodist Church, Negaunee, V.A. Romo Post #3165, Negaunee VFW, Negaunee Lions’ Club, Negaunee Elks Lodge, the Ishpeming American Legion and the Big Shag Lake Association.
After all the children had grown and left the nest Coke and Janetta began the next phase of their life spending winters in Apache Jct., Arizona. This brought new experiences, making new friends and taking part in Association dances, parties and going to the Casino on the bus. They thoroughly enjoyed these experiences as well as coming back to camp in the summers, spending time around the bonfires by the lake with family and friends.
Surviving are four sons: James (Marilyn) and John ‘Jack’, both of Negaunee, Robert (Nita) and Richard (Barbie), both of Gwinn; two daughters: Jane Nordeen of Gwinn and Sally (Archie) Mitchell of Ishpeming; 23 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Edward Butner of Connecticut; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife Janetta on September 2, 2012; brother, Roy Thomas; sister, Edna Mae Butner; granddaughter, Renee Thomas; and daughter-in-law, Ellen Thomas.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Friday, January 27th at Mitchell United Methodist Church with Rev. J. Albert Barchue officiating. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:30 am until the time of services at 12:00 noon at the church on Friday, and also at a luncheon at the Negaunee Elks immediately following services. Coke’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Negaunee Historical Society in his name.
Mr. Thomas’ memorial page may be viewed at www.koskeyfuneralhome.com, where memories and condolences may be shared.

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