Charles M. Thomas, 74, of Great Bend, died December 31, 2009 at Cherry Village Nursing Home, Great Bend. He was born April 4, 1935, at Salamanca, N.Y., the son of Fred L. and Carrie (Wingard) Thomas. He was retired from the Albert Co-op, Tammen Farms and Becker Rentals. He was a Great Bend resident for 30 years. He served 12 years in the United States Merchant Marine during the Vietnam conflict. Mr. Thomas was a former member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the American Legion. Survivors include a brother, Raymond Thomas of Las Vegas, Nev.; two nieces Virginia Pratt and Janet Shenk; and three nephews, Gary Thomas, Raymond Thomas and Brian Thomas. He was preceded in death by one sister, Virginia Thomas. A service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with the Rev. John Grummon officiant. Inurnment will occur at a later date at the Albert Community Center in Albert. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Donations to a memorial fund for the Great Bend Zoo may be made in care of the funeral home.