Dave Thomas's early upbringing began in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he lived with his adopted family until the age of six. Following this foundational period, his formative years were characterized by frequent travel across various locations with his family, indicating a nomadic upbringing rather than a single, fixed home for the remainder of his childhood.
Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1932, Dave was an orphan who was adopted as an infant by Olivia and Rex Thomas. His adopted parents were residents of Kalamazoo, Michigan, which became his first significant childhood home. He spent these crucial early years in Kalamazoo. However, after Olivia, his adopted mother, passed away when he was a young child, his family's circumstances led to a change in lifestyle. By the time Dave was six years old, he left Kalamazoo to embark on a life of constant movement, "taking to the road" with his adopted family.
This means that while Kalamazoo, Michigan, served as his initial fixed residence during his very early childhood, the subsequent period of his upbringing involved extensive travel and a lack of a single, stable location.
Key Aspects of Dave Thomas's Early Life and Upbringing
To fully understand where Dave Thomas was raised, it's important to consider the distinct phases of his early life:
- Birthplace: Dave Thomas was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1932.
- Early Childhood (Infancy to Age Six): After being adopted, he lived with his adopted family in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This period established his first home environment.
- Later Childhood/Formative Years (Age Six Onwards): From the age of six, his upbringing became nomadic. He "took to the road" with his adopted family, meaning his subsequent formative years were spent traveling and moving between various places rather than being rooted in one specific community.
