Charles "Virgil" Thomas was born November 5th, 1921 and died February 26th, 2018. He was the eighth of nine children born to Charles Frank and Isabelle Thomas of Seymour, Texas.

Virgil went to school in Seymour and was elected president of the Young Settlers Club, where he learned a lot about the history of Seymour and Baylor County, Texas. In 1941, Virgil married Corabelle Peddy of Vera, Texas. They had three sons Emmett, Aubrey, and Lynn. Virgil worked for his brothers in the full service gas station business for several years. He drove a truck for Synclair, hauling gasoline, and also worked for Petty Geophysical company and Douglas Aircraft company in Oklahoma City.

Virgil volunteered for the US Navy during World War II to serve his country. He was stationed on the USS Blatchford in the Pacific Campaign. In January of 1946, he was Honorably discharged as a Boatman 3rd Class.

After the war he bought half interest of a service station from his brother Roy, and also built a house in Haskell, Texas where he lived for 10 years. In 1956, he moved his family to Dardanelle, Arkansas where he operated a full service gas station and antique shop on 2nd and Quay street. While in Yell County he served as Chairman for the Salvation Army.

In 1980, Virgil and Corabelle moved to Clarksville where he continued to serve for the Salvation Army and also volunteered to serve at all the area nursing homes by throwing parties for the residents and also helping with grooming needs. He was a charter and lifetime member of the VFW in Dardanelle and lifelong member of the American Legion in Dardanelle.

Virgil loved history and collecting old coins and paperwork.

Virgil was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Corabelle, Emmett, his oldest son, his parents Charles Frank and Isabelle, and all of his brothers and sisters.

Virgil is survived by two sons: Aubrey and wife, Patricia Thomas, of Clarksville and Lynn Thomas of Delaware. A daughter in law: Anne Thomas of Conway. Five grandchildren: Chuck and Angie Thomas of Harrison, Teresa Thomas of Clarksville, Neil Thomas of Conway, Steve and Kerri Thomas of Russellville, and Marty and Lori Thomas of Lindale, Texas. 15 great-grandchildren: Lindsay, Logan and Lakyn Thomas, Preston, Slayton and Mayson Riddell, Zachary, Morgan, Trace and Jaxon Thomas, Sydney, Sophie and Tice Thomas and Justin and Daniel Thomas. 3 great-great grandchildren: Lyrik, Trinity and Theo Virgil Thomas.

Virgil quote: "I did pretty good for an old farm boy from West Texas who never finished High School"

Funeral services will be held at 2:00P.M., Friday, March 2, 2018 at Cornwell Chapel in Dardanelle. Burial will be in Brearley Cemetery in Dardanelle. Visitation will be held Thursday, 6:00P.m. to 8:00P.M. at the chapel.

Pallbearers will be Chuck Thomas, Steven Thomas, Neil Thomas, Zachary Thomas, Logan Thomas, Preston Riddell, Daniel Thomas and Slayton Riddell.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Trace Thomas, Jaxon Thomas and Justin Thomas.

Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home in Dardanelle. Online Guest Book and Condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com