Canastota-Christopher L. Thomas, 69, passed away on Friday, March 4, 2022 at the Oneida Healthcare Center, with the love and support of his family, at his side, following a brief illness.
Chris was born in Oneida on September 25, 1952, the son of the late George and Mary Howe Thomas. Chris was raised in Oneida and attended Oneida High School. He was a life-long career tractor trailer driver. Chris had worked for various trucking companies, and had hauled many different commodities. He enjoyed trucking as it gave him the chance to travel all over the United States. He saw many amazing sights, and made numerous friends during his journeys. In his retirement, he traded his “18 wheeler,” for a “2 wheeler;” he could be seen just about anywhere on his Whizzer. He was an outdoorsman, who always found time for fishing. Chris always would be there for a NASCAR race, cheering on Jeff Gordon. He would always enjoy time around his family and friends, no matter the occasion. Most of all, Chris will be remembered as a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
Chris’s passing is mourned by his children: Jillian (Monk) Cox of Camden, Austin (Abbigail Weiss) Thomas, of Oneida, Leah (Ryan Mitchell) Thomas of Vernon, Lori (Fred) Casler of Canastota, and Teri Russo of Verona; his siblings: Colleen (James) Carson of Canastota, Linda (Steve) Serviss of Oneida, Robin (James) Phelan of North Carolina, Mark Thomas of Oneida, Kirk (Diana) Thomas of Glen Falls, Sunshine (Derek) Person of Oneida, and Kim (Brenda) Thomas of Oneida, and his former wife and friend, Glenyse Grenier. Beloved grandchildren Chaning Cox and Rebecca Sobotka, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends also survive Chris.
Chris’s family acknowledges a special thank you to Scotty. Thanks for always having Chris’s back, and being his best friend.
He was predeceased by his parents, George and Mary.
“If I don’t see you round, I'll see you square”
Funeral services for Chris will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at 6:00 PM at the Coolican-McSweeney & Paul Funeral Home. Calling hours will be held from 4-6 PM, at the funeral home, 322 Washington Avenue, prior to the service. To offer a condolence or share a memory, please visit: coolican-mcsweeney.com
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Christopher L. Thomas, please visit our floral store.