Jacques D. “Jack” Thomas, 80, of Decatur, IL passed away at 10:20 a.m. on Monday (March 7, 2011) at Decatur Memorial Hospital. A service to celebrate Jack’s life will be held at 9:45 a.m. on Thursday (March 10, 2011) at Dawson & Wikoff West Wood Street Funeral Home. Burial will be in Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Cancer Care Center or Tabernacle Baptist Church in Decatur, Illinois. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com.
Jack was born on January 11, 1931 in Robinson, IL, the son of Harold F. and Dorothy (Leach) Thomas. Jack was a master mechanic by trade and had a lifetime love for his work and hobby. Jack could build anything… from racecars, motorized bikes (before you could buy them), houses, and is probably most known for a lifetime of inventing new solutions for everyday common problems. Jack worked for North Town Ford and retired from the City of Decatur as a mechanic. He was a U.S. Army veteran who proudly served in Korea. On July 22, 1950, Jack married his high school sweetheart, Fay King. Besides cars and all things mechanical, Jack loved his family most of all. He was a dedicated father and husband and will always be an integral part of his family’s lives. He was a caring man and his kindness and infectious smile affected all those around him. He strongly fought kidney cancer for seven years but never let the disease affect his spirit. Jack’s family would like to extend a very special “Thank You” to Dr. Wade and his staff at the Decatur Memorial Cancer Care Center.
He will always be lovingly remembered by his family: Fay Thomas of Decatur, IL; children: Debbie (Terry) Morris of Decatur, IL, Denise Thomas of Raleigh, NC, Lyle Thomas of Decatur, IL, Teresa (Tyler) Townsend of Raleigh, NC; grandchildren: Kim Morris, Jill Morris, Robert Voyles, James Voyles, Crystal Voyles, Josh Thomas, Sara Thomas, Cameron Townsend, Christian Townsend, Elizabeth Marsland; six great grandchildren; aunt: Geraldine “Aunt Jane” Tharp of Robinson, IL; and the beloved dog: Lilly.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents and brother: Earl Thomas.
Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home
A “Life Celebration” Home
