Final Salute

Royce Van Thomason, 76, of Concord, left this world on Saturday, December 16, 2023. He was born on May 17, 1947 in Rowan County and was the youngest son to the late Gilbert Spencer Thomason and Edith Shuping Thomason. He was educated in the Rowan County Schools and graduated from North Rowan High School as Student Body President. His undergrad degree was from Catawba College and he had master degrees from Appalachian State University and NC State University. Royce proudly served his country in the United States Navy in the Seabees during the Vietnam War.

Royce was an educator by profession and taught at schools in Mecklenburg, Rowan, and Cabarrus Counties. He loved coaching, teaching driver’s education, and working with exceptional children. He was a master craftsman and took great pride in his construction projects. He enjoyed traveling, yard work, vacations with family, and spending time in the mountains. His greatest joy was his grandchildren; James Franklin Draper III, Carson Thomas Draper, and Kinsley Thomason Santana. Papa T/Poppy has gone to be with Jesus so he can feel better, but we will miss him.

In addition to his parents, Royce was preceded in death by a brother, Nathan Thomason of Salisbury.

Those left with cherished memories include his wife of 47 years, Carolyn Trexler Thomason; three children, Spencer Trexler (Patricia) Thomason of Boilng Springs, SC; Wendi (Roberto Santana) Thomason of Concord, and Leigh Ann Thomason (James) Draper of Cary; three grandchildren; and two brothers, Glenn (Dorothy) Thomason, and Larry (Brenda) Thomason, both of Salisbury.

The family will greet friends and relatives on Friday, December 22, 2023, 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., at Trinity United Methodist Church (416 Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Kannapolis, NC 28083). The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m., on Friday, December 22, 2023, at the church, with Reverend Wayne Trexler and Reverend Jim Wafford officiating.

A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday December 27, 2023 at 10 a.m., at the Salisbury National Cemetery (501 Statesville Blvd., Salisbury, NC 2814) with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County or Trinity United Methodist Wesley Fellowship fund.

Powles Staton Funeral Home of Rockwell is assisting the Thomason family. Online condolences may be made at www.powlesfuneralhome.com.

Published by Concord & Kannapolis Independent Tribune on Dec. 20, 2023.