Jack Milton Thomas

Jack Milton Thomas died at Hawthorne Inn on Monday, October 12, 2020. He had been a resident at Liberty Estates and Hawthorne since November, 2014. His wife, Wilma (Cronkhite) preceded him in death, February 21, 2020.

Born February 19, 1922 in Tilton, IL, son of George (Dewey) and Hester (Foote) Thomas, he lived in Danville his entire life except while serving in the US Army. The Danville Institute of Business, graduating in July, 1941. His first job was at the Veterans Administration sub-regional office as stenographer. During World War II, Thomas enlisted in the Army in September, 1942 and served 40 months before receiving an Honorable Discharge in January, 1946. He also worked for the C&EI Railroad before beginning his 35-year career at ESCO Corporation, retiring in December 1982.

          Jack and his wife, Wilma, married in 1947, celebrated 72 years of marriage November 1st of last year. Besides his wife, Mr. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, brother (George Thomas), son, Richard C. Thomas and a great-grandson, Nathan Andrew Thomas.

Surviving are two daughters, Vickie Jo Thomas, San Diego, CA and Carol Ann (Dale) Bornhorst, Chester, CA. Also are five grandchildren, Suzanne Thomas, Harpswell, ME, Laurette (Tom) Waters, Springfield, IL, William (Natalie) Hankla, Houston, TX, Heather Bornhorst (John Baldwin), Des Moines, WA, and Erika (Brian) Adler, Santa Barbara, CA. Also are seven great grandchildren, Alison and Olivia Waters, Scott (Briana) Haydel, Madelynn and Skyler Hankla, Madilyn and Brooke Adler and two great, great grandchildren, Landon James and Mattison Juliette Waters.

Mr. Thomas enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs (hoping to live to see them win the World Series), watching the Big 10 sporting events and reading his newspapers cover to cover.

Due to Covid-19, services for Mr. Thomas will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions have yet to be decided.

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