Mr. Thomas Charleston Sr.

***DUE TO THE NEW MANDATES ORDERED FOR THE STATE OF MICHIGAN, up to 25 people are the maximum that will be allowed in our chapel starting Wednesday, November 18, 2020 for (3) weeks, until we receive further notice of any changes *****MASKS ARE REQUIRED WHEN ENTERING OUR BUILDING**** ****PRIVATE FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED FOR THE FAMILY, UP TO (25) people allowed in the space. ****INTERMENT WILL BE HELD AT FT. CUSTER NATIONAL CEMETERY*****Only (25) people can be in attendance at the cemetery, ****MASKS ARE ALSO REQUIRED AT THE CEMETERY**** ______________________________________________ The Obituary When Thomas laid down to sleep; the Lord came for his soul to keep. Deacon Thomas Charleston Sr. known as “Mr2Tall” was called to glory on November 15, 2020. He was born August 30, 1948 the second oldest of nine children, to the late Isiah and Eileen Charleston in Kalamazoo, MI. Thomas gave his life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in 1958. He attended Kalamazoo Public Schools and graduated from Old Central High School in 1967. Thomas joined the U.S. Army in January of 1968 and fought in the Vietnam War where he earned various awards and medals for his service. After returning home from with an honorable discharge, he joined the National Guard where he also served for several years. During that time Thomas met his soulmate Theresa Alston and they married in 1995 and built a life together. Thomas was employed with Checker Motors, Bronson Hospital and Design Ware before retiring in 2010. Thomas loved prayer meeting and bible study and his favorite scripture was John 14:2-3, "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I to go and prepare a place for you. I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also". In addition, he enjoyed bowling, mastering technology, old western and war movies, traveling with his wife (mainly cruising), spending quality time with family during holidays, picnics, family game night along with quality time with his grandbabies. Lastly, he loved his Pepsi, rarely would you see him without one in his hand or his granddaughter, Diedra by his side in which he nicknamed " Chocolate". Thomas found a new church home in 2008 with First United Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Lenzy Bell. He was a good and faithful servant and First United Baptist Church became his second home. Thomas served as a Deacon and Chair of The Trustees along with varies other task and had grown to love his church family as his own. Thomas leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Theresa Alston-Charleston; 2 sons, Thomas Charleston Jr. and Leroy Robinson; 4 daughters, Rachelle Charleston, Angela (Steve) Bliss, Catherine (Kay-Kay) and Lameka Alston all of Kalamazoo, MI; 3 brothers, Jeffrey and Bruce (Beverly) Charleston all of Kalamazoo, MI and Derek Charleston of Battle Creek, MI; 2 sisters Mary Charleston-Elder and Tracy Charleston-Blakes both of Kalamazoo, MI; 16 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren; 2 uncles, Rev. George Dunigan Jr. of Flint, MI and Alfred Charleston of Grand Rapids, MI; 2 aunts, Rosalee Springs of Grand Rapids, MI and Maudine Coleman of Kalamazoo, MI; 2 special childhood friends, Gilbert Bell and Jack Peake along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mr. Thomas Charleston Sr.

August 30, 1948 - November 15, 2020