Philip E Thomas

Born November 15, 1941 in Peoria to Lloyd and Opha Thomas, he married the love of his life Donna Elaine Thomas on April 6, 1963 in Pekin.

Surviving are his five nephews, Michael (Mary) Thomas of Kansas City MO, Todd Merritt of Pekin, Jack Todd Jr. of Pekin, Jeff Todd (Liz) Sr. of Pekin, James (Rachel) Sr. of Pekin; seven nieces, Deborah (Ralph) Gates of Waterloo, IA, Cheryl (Kelly) Guess of Phoenix, AZ, Billie (Duane) Durbin of Pekin, Pam (Ed) Autrey of Green Valley, Sherry Isaac of San Jose, Janet (Luan Tang) Todd of South Pekin, Cindy Hewitt of Arizona, and many great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved feline friend “Little Guy” Sparks who has been by his side for 23 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers, and a nephew.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army 82nd Airborne from 1959 to 1962 when he was honorably discharged.

He retired from WITCO after 40 years of service. He was a proud member of the United Steelworkers Local 7-807 as a Millwright.

In retirement, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, the outdoors, and car racing. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan.

His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2019 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Michael Thomas will officiate. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral service from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m.

Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin, with military rites accorded by the United States Army and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, Illinois 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com