Gary Wayne Thomas

It is with great sadness, the family of Gary Wayne Thomas, 78, of Bartonville, Illinois announces his passing on June 17, 2025. Gary passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family, friends and beloved granddog, Maci.

He was born June 27, 1946 in Peoria, Illinois to Peter and Berniece C. (Adams) Thomas. They preceded him in death, along with his faithful hunting companions, Cinder and Lucy.

He graduated from Limestone Community High School in 1964.

He married the love of his life, Alberta “Mandy” Lynn (Homan) Thomas on March 30, 1968 in Bartonville, Illinois. She survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Teresa Lynn Donley (Thomas) and one grandson, Patrick Ryan Donley, both of Bartonville, Illinois.

Gary worked at and retired from Cilco. During his time there, he worked as a power plant operator and later served as Business Agent for the International Brotherhood of Firemen and Oilers. He ran a very successful heating and air conditioning service for many years. Gary also held the position of Hollis Township Supervisor and served as a member of the Tuscarora Volunteer Fire Department. Later in life, he and his wife developed a subdivision, Whitetail Ridge Estates, in Bartonville.

Gary was an avid outdoorsman and he lived life on his own terms; hands-on and in high gear. Gary made every minute of the day count. Anyone that knew him, knew that his true and undying passion was for hunting and fishing. One of his happiest places on earth was in a duck blind, working a flock, with a skillet breakfast cooking on a propane stove. He also spent many years commercial fishing running hoop nets, trot lines and tramble nets. Many summer nights were spent catfishing on the Illinois River with his wife, daughter and grandson.

During his final months, Gary’s family and friends frequently gathered around him to fry fish, reminisce and listen to his stories about past hunting & fishing experiences. Many, many good times were had in his presence. He loved to play cards, and was especially good at spades and poker. Gary had a love of music and frequently requested that his daughter “turn it up” during their car rides out to dinner. These memories will be forever cherished by those who loved him.

Per Gary’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held on June 28, 2025 from 2:00-6:00 PM at the American Legion Hall in Bartonville, IL. His loved ones are welcoming casual and camo attire as we celebrate this full and remarkable life. Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at 912 Killian Hill Road, SW, Suite 105, Lilburn, GA 30047 or online at https://www.lbda.org/donate/ or to the Timber Hollis Fire Protection District at 401 S. Glasford Road, Glasford, IL 61533.

You are invited to view Gary’s obituary online at www.Davison-FultonBartonvilleChapel.com