Thom Colson, known affectionately as Daddy C, passed away on January 22, 2024, at the age of 72, leaving behind a profound legacy in the music scene of Lancaster. With a career spanning over five decades, Thom was celebrated for his remarkable ability to quickly master a variety of musical instruments, despite lacking formal training. His primary instruments included the B-3 organ, bass guitar, and valve trombone, but it was his vocal talent that captured audiences, particularly through songs like "Brandy" and "Spill the Wine."
Born on November 15, 1951, in Lancaster to Charles (Chuck) and Barbara (Bobbie) Baker Colson, Thom grew up as the elder brother to Charles (Chuck) Colson Jr. He graduated from J. P. McCaskey High School in 1970. Known for his vibrant personality, Thom formed numerous friendships throughout his music career and shared a deep love for animals with his wife, Dixie, with whom he had many pets, including their beloved Irish Setter, Boz.
Thom's artistic talents extended beyond music; he was an accomplished artist capable of drawing freehand portraits from observation. A skilled swimmer in his youth, he participated in swimming events for McCaskey and spent summers at Brookside Pool. His varied work experience included roles as a ride operator at Rocky Springs Amusement Park in the late 1970s and as a lifeguard at the Host Town on Keller Ave. during the mid-70s, but his true passion was always performing on stage with various bands.
In addition to his musical endeavors, Thom ventured into entrepreneurship by opening Dink’s Chew and View, a pizza and video shop on the Manheim Pike, where customers could enjoy a meal and a movie. However, the business faced challenges due to shifting technology and closed after a few years.
Over the years, Thom played with several notable bands, including Valerie & the Chateaus, Custers Last Band (CLB), Fat Cat, Daddy C & the All Stars, the Fabulous Cheeze Brothers and Sisters, and Class Act featuring Rita. He briefly performed with the Capitol Records recording artists, the Magnificent Men, and toured the East Coast in the mid-70s with a New York City show band called Shooting Star. Throughout his career, he shared the stage with prominent artists such as B. J. Thomas, Eddie Holman, and the Soul Survivors. Thom recorded several records, including a sought-after album with CLB in 1970, and produced various 45s and CDs, showcasing his multifaceted musical abilities.
Thom's love for music began early; a photograph from his second birthday shows him holding a 45 record. His extensive vinyl collection reflected his admiration for artists like Elvis, the Beatles, the Beach Boys, and Todd Rundgren, along with a passion for 60s soul music, including the Philly sound and Motown. His parents nurtured his musical interests by gifting him turntables, tape players, and records, and they proudly supported his performances, even traveling to Florida to see him live. His younger brother looked up to him and idolized him throughout their lives.
In addition to music, Thom had a fondness for classic horror films and developed an unexpected affinity for the Philadelphia Eagles, despite not having followed major sports during his upbringing.
Thom experienced personal loss when his wife, Dixie, passed away in 2022 after nearly 39 years of marriage. He also mourned the deaths of his mother, Bobbie, in 1992, and his father, Chuck, in 1997, along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his brother Chuck and his wife Julie (Willow Street), nephew Chip Colson and his girlfriend Jill Hladczuk (Philadelphia), nieces Katie Colson and Chrissy DeSanctis, wife of Adrian (Orlando, FL), and his two cats, Emma and Lucy.
In honor of Thom, donations can be made to a favorite pet rescue, reflecting his love for animals. A life celebration will take place on May 5, 2024, at the American Legion Post 34, located at 1388 Arcadia Rd. in Lancaster, from 12:30 PM onward. Friends and family are invited to gather and celebrate the life of one of the area’s most memorable musicians.
