Obituary of Richard Dean Thomas

Richard D. Thomas, age 87, of Pattonsburg, passed away peacefully in his home Monday, March 7, 2022. “Dick” was born October 12, 1934 in East Peoria, IL to Herbert and Ella (Knight) Thomas. He married Donna Wittmer of Peoria Heights on April 14, 1962. He is survived by his wife, his daughters Lauri of Lacon IL and Pam (Craig Kuebler) of Champaign IL and his son Rick of Pattonsburg IL, as well as grandchildren Brynna Porch, Derric Porch, Zachary Goeken, Allison Goeken, Nathan Kuebler, Jackson Kuebler, and great-grandchild Hazel Porch. Also surviving are Dick’s brothers, Herbert (Sally) of Germantown Hills, IL, Edward of Raleigh, NC; and sister Sue (Danny) Koons of Kearns, UT. Dick was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, James (Janet) of York, PA and Ronald (Phyllis) of Metamora, IL. Dick was a Navy veteran, serving from 1952 to 1958, including a nine-month tour aboard the aircraft carrier USS Essex. He went on to work as service manager for Essig’s Motor Company for about twenty years. Dick also worked later in life with Stihl and Peoria Siding. Faith and family were the driving forces in Dick’s life. He was a member of Pattonsburg Christian Church for over fifty years. Dick’s family knew him as the man who could fix anything, a true jack-of-all-trades. Those who knew Dick well appreciated his love of children, gardening, fishing, sports, and especially his beloved Chicago White Sox. A memorial service is to be held 2 p.m. Saturday March 19 at Pattonsburg Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude, Shriner’s or the church of your choice. Cremation Specialist is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.csofil.com.