Calvin “Cal” Thomas

Calvin (Cal) Charles Thomas was born September 6, 1937, in Wyandotte, MI, to Calvin Elroy and Elsie (Crassweller) Thomas, and died at home in Santa Barbara on November 18, 2025.

He married Dianne Brochue and they had two sons together, Calvin and Brian. They lived in Colorado Springs and moved to Santa Barbara in the 1970s, later divorcing. Cal married Tana Leabhard in 1984, and they were married until Tana’s death in 2022.

Cal worked as a Quality Engineer for Santa Barbara Research Center for many years, through its transition to Hughes Aircraft and finally to Raytheon, retiring in 1995.

Cal was an avid gardener and grew many species of palm trees and other tropical plants. His interest in lapidary work led him to learn gemstone faceting. He was a devoted dog lover and treasured his Border Collie, Charlie, who was a constant companion. He had a lifelong thirst for knowledge and loved to watch Jeopardy! each night, competing against the contestants on screen. He had many friends throughout the Santa Barbara community and was a member of the Elks Lodge.

Cal is survived by his sons, Calvin Thomas and Brian Thomas, his stepdaughter Stacey Voigt, his brother Don Thomas, sister Marlene Hungerford, and devoted companion Angelina Pichardo, as well as grandchildren Sarah Culley, Kyler Thomas, and Emma Voigt, and several great-grandchildren. At Cal’s request no memorial is planned.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local pet shelter or rescue in Cal’s memory.