Charles Gene “Chuck” Thome, 83, of Mapleton, Illinois, passed away Saturday, March 16, 2019 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 4, 1935 in Peoria, Illinois to Charles Arthur and Lois (Mason) Thome. He married Joyce Joanne Gilmore on February 5, 1955 in Peoria, Illinois. She preceded him in death on January 5, 2005 in Mapleton, Illinois. He was also preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Art and Jack Thome, one sister, Carolyn Hart and one great granddaughter.
Chuck is survived by five children, Chuck (Jada) Thome of Farmington, Illinois, Randy (Teri) Thome of Washington, Illinois, Lori (Frank) Larson of Farmington, Illinois, Jennifer (Johnny) Ellis of Peoria, Illinois and James (Andrea) Thome of Burr Ridge, Illinois; sixteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren; one sister, Sherry Diegel of Pekin, Illinois and many nieces and nephews.
He worked 40 years, retiring in 1995 from Caterpillar Inc. He was an U.S. Army Veteran. He was very proud to be a Charter Member of the Baseball and Softball Juggernaut known as the “Family of Hitters.” Chuck was the batting champion in the Sunday Morning League in 1964, and voted League MVP the following year. He was very proud to have won a batting title and MVP award in the most prestigious softball league in the country; The Metro League in Rock Island, Illinois; a league that recruited players from all over the United States. Chuck was very proud playing in Seven International Softball Congress World Tournaments. It was recognized nationwide as the best softball of its time. He won the MVP and batting title in consecutive years. He was recognized as a very tough clutch hitter against the top pitcher in the world. He was a member of the Peoria Area Sports Hall of Fame. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He loved following sports and being the #1 Jim Thome Fan. He enjoyed spending his time with his family and friends.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 21, 2019 at the Davison Fulton Woolsey Wilton Funeral Home, 2408 West Willow Knolls Drive, Peoria, Illinois 61614. The Rev. Craig Hislope will officiate. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral chapel. Burial will be in the Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria. Memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald’s House in Peoria. You may create an online condolence at www.woolsey-wilton.com.
