Thom Colson, 72

January 22, 2024

Lancaster lost a true music legend in Thom Colson, also known as Daddy C, on Monday, January 22, 2024 at the young age of 72. A man so full of life, his passion was entertaining. Performing for over 5 decades, he was known for his musical ability for picking up almost any instrument and learning it very quickly. Although he never really had any formal training, he was a natural. His main instruments were the B-3 organ, bass guitar and he also played a valve trombone. But his vocals are where he was best known singing songs like Brandy and Spill the Wine.

Thom loved everyone he met and had so many friends and acquaintances from his work in bands over the years. He and his wife were also avid dog and cat lovers with too many pets to mention but Boz, the Irish Setter, was their most memorable one.

He was born in Lancaster to Charles (Chuck) and Barbara (Bobbie) Baker Colson on November 15, 1951. He graduated from J. P. McCaskey High School in 1970. He is the older brother to Charles (Chuck) Colson Jr.

Thom excelled in almost everything he did. He was a gifted artist and could draw freehand portraits from just looking at them. He was a very good swimmer as he swam for McCaskey and at Brookside Pool over the summers. He had many different jobs over the years like being a ride operator at Rocky Springs Amusement Park, of which he loved, in the late 70’s and being a lifeguard at the Host Town on Keller Ave. during the mid-70’s. But his real passion was being on stage playing in the many different bands over the years.

Thom was also an entrepreneur opening up his own pizza and video shop called Dink’s Chew and View located on the Manheim Pike. You could order a pizza or sub and also get a video to watch while having your dinner. Unfortunately, due to ever changing technology, the shop closed only a few years later.

Some of his more notable bands for which he played was Valerie & the Chateaus, Custers Last Band (CLB), Fat Cat, Daddy C & the All Stars, the Fabulous Cheeze Brothers and Sisters and Class Act feat. Rita just to name a few. He was also a member of the Capitol Records recording artists the Magnificent Men for a short while playing live for special events. During the mid-70’s he travelled up and down the east coast with a show band out of New York City called Shooting Star. Thom also got to share the stage with such performers as B. J. Thomas, Eddie Holman and the Soul Survivors. He also recorded a few records, one being with CLB in 1970 which is now very sought after. Thom also recorded and produced a few more 45’s and CD’s from his basement playing all the instruments and vocals. The Class of

60 Somethin’ was also another venture in which he was involved performing live and they also recorded CD’s for sale.

Thom was bitten by the music bug at an early age as there is a picture of him at his 2nd birthday holding a 45 record. Over the years he amassed quite a collection of vinyl and was quite taken by Elvis, the Beatles, the Beach Boys and Todd Rundgren not to mention the 60’s soul like the Philly sound, Motown and other local talent. His parents encouraged his love of music by buying him turntables, tape players and records for birthday and Christmas and were extremely proud of him performing on stage. They even travelled to Florida to see him perform. And his younger brother looked up to him and idolized him.

Not only was he a music fan but he also loved movies, especially classic horror movies. He also became a Philadelphia Eagles fan and for the life of me I don’t know why as he never followed any major sports while growing up!

In 2022 Thom was widowed as his wife, Dixie, of almost 39 years passed away. His mother Bobbie passed away in 1992 and his dad Chuck in 1997 along with many aunts, uncles and a few cousins. He leaves behind his brother Chuck and his wife Julie (Willow Street) and his nephew Chip Colson and girlfriend Jill Hladczuk (Philly), his nieces Katie Colson and Chrissy DeSanctis, wife of Adrian (Orlando, FL.). He also leaves behind his two cats Emma and Lucy.

Donations may be made in his memory to your favorite pet rescue as he loved all his animals.

There will be a life celebration held on May 5, 2024 at the American Legion Post 34 located at 1388 Arcadia Rd. in Lancaster from 12:30 till ?. So plan on coming and celebrating one of the most infamous musicians to hit this area in a long time. Long live Daddy C.

Say hi to mom and dad for me bro. I’ll see you in about 35 years from now. You are at peace now my brother. I love you.