Harlan Thomas

Harlan O. Thomas

Age 73 of Diamond and formerly Petersburg and Jacksonville, Illinois, passed away Friday October 29, 2010 at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet.

Born January 15, 1937 in Jacksonville, Harlan was a son of the late Orlia E. and Caroline M. Megginson-Thomas. He was raised and educated in Jacksonville and was working as a dance instructor, when he met Dorothy (nee Buck), whom he married on September 3, 1960. Harlan was a current member of New Hope Presbyterian Church in Coal City and acted as a lay minister. He remained actively involved volunteering for Catholic Charities as a Senior Companion, as well as with the Coal City Public Library. Harlan was known for his love of quilting and enjoyed gardening both at the Library and around the Diamond Mine Memorial.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years: Dorothy; daughter Judith Williams of Coal City; three grandchildren: Victoria Lee of Coal City, Richard (Jeannine) Williams of Mahomet and Susan Williams of Chicago; five great grandchildren: Michael (Tracey) Lee, William (fiancAC.' Laura) Lee, Samantha Lee, Matthew Williams and Amanda Williams; five great-great grandchildren: Cody Lee, Dylan Lee, Evan Lee, Samantha Lee and James Lee; one sister Donna Gutekunst and one sister-in-law Beverly Thomas, both of Jacksonville and numerous nieces and nephews.

Harlan was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law Phillip Williams; three sisters: Virginia Schramm, Helen Kopplin and Muriel Points and nine brothers: Bobby Joe Thomas and Kenneth, Ray, Floyd, Dale, Wayne, Howard, Ralph and Gerald Hembrough.

Visitation and Video Tribute will be held Tuesday November 2, 2010 between the hours of 5:00PM and 7:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block North of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City and Wednesday November 3rd at First Christian Church, 210 South 8th Street in Petersburg, Illinois from 1:00PM until 2:00PM. Graveside services will follow in Petersburg Oakland Cemetery with Pastor Jon Bormann officiating.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Harlan's memory to New Hope Presbyterian Church, 80 North Garfield Street, Coal City, Illinois 60416.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. (815/634-2125)