Dave Thomas

Dave Thomas

Age 67 of Wilmington, passed away Saturday morning, April 21, 2018 at his home.

Born February 24, 1951 in Mattoon, Illinois, John David was a son of John Dewey and Elsie Eleanor (Worland) Thomas. He was raised in Wilmington and graduated from Wilmington High School with the Class of 1969. Dave entered into the United States Air Force on June 19, 1969 and served until being honorably discharged on June 18, 1975. During his tenure in the service, Dave resided in Guam, and upon returning stateside, later made his home Braidwood and Raleigh, North Carolina before returning to Wilmington.

Dave worked for G.E. and also owned and operated Thomas Solar Works from 1989 to the present. He will be remembered for his enjoyment of flying kites, and stained glass.

Survivors include his children: Justin (Hope) Thomas of Cartersville, GA, Kadda (Ben) Cabot of Waco, TX and Jenna (Simon) Staub of Sugar Grove, IL; grandchildren: Phoenix Thomas and Ganon Thomas, both of Cartersville, Wyatt Garon of Waco, Kieran and Haiden Cabot of Rahns, PA and Ethan James Staub of Sugar Grove; siblings: Steve (Donna) Thomas of Belvidere, Mary (Fred) Gaddis of Coal City, Susan (Don) Parrish and Terry Thomas, both of Wilmington, Jane (James) Balentine of Florence, AL and Bob Thomas of Wilmington, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Pat Thomas and Mike Thomas and his life partner, Janet Schroeder.

Green Flameless Cremation rites have been accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation and celebration of Dave’s life on Thursday, April 26, 2018 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington.

He will be laid to rest with full military honors on Friday morning, April 27, 2018 in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. Family and friends wishing to attend the cemetery services are requested to assemble at the funeral home at 8:45 a.m. for a procession which will depart for the cemetery at 9:00 a.m.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Dave’s memory to his family for their distribution.

Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Dave’s memorial page online by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Flameless cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)