Dewey Thomas

Dewey Thomas

Age 93 of Wilmington, formerly Mattoon, passed away Wednesday October 21, 2015 at Maple Crest Care Centre in Belvidere, Illinois.

Born October 14, 1922 in Etna, Illinois, Dewey was a son of the late Orvine and Freda Waggoner-Thomas. On October 23, 1946, he married Elsie Eleanor Worland. Dewey served in the United States Navy during World War II, and would go on to be employed by the Joliet Arsenal as a high lineman until retirement.  He also managed Wilmington parks for ten years, and was a member of the Wilmington V.F.W. Post #5422. Dewey enjoyed flying with his private pilot’s license, and always looked forward to his annual U.S.S. Concord Ship Reunion, which he attended for 50 years.

Survivors include his children:  Steve (Donna) Thomas of Belvidere, Dave (Janet) Thomas of Wilmington, Mary (Fred) Gaddis of Coal City, Mike (Denise) Thomas of Myrtle Beach, SC, Susan (Don) Parrish of Wilmington, Terry (Gina) Thomas of Custer Park, Jane (James) Balentine of Florence, AL and Robert Thomas of Wilmington; 16 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; one sister: Pauline Daniell of Wilmington; one sister-in-law: Ruth Thomas of Mattoon, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dewey was preceded by his parents; his wife: Elsie Eleanor Thomas; one son: Patrick (Jeanne) Thomas and one granddaughter: Meagan.

Visitation and Video Tribute will be Monday October 26, 2015 between the hours of 2:00 and 7:00 PM at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington.  Cremation rites will be accorded, and Inurnment with full military honors will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood on Tuesday October 27, 2015 at 1:00 PM.  Family and friends who wish to attend the services are encouraged to meet at the funeral home by 12:15 PM to go in procession to the cemetery.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Dewey’s memory to: Wilmington V.F.W. Post #5422.

Family and friends may sign the guest book, send photographs, or view Dewey’s memorial page by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Cremation services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington 815-476-2181.