William Barrett "Bill" Thomas, Sr.

Bill was born July 3, 1940, in Indianapolis, IN, the son of Charles M. Thomas and Yvonette W. Thomas. He married Helen S. Blanchard on July 28, 1961, in Jacksonville, FL.

Bill was raised in Indianapolis, IN where he attended Lawrence Central High School. He went on to join the U.S. Navy where he proudly served his country from 1958 to 1980. He received his B.S. degree in Psychology from Chapman University in CA. He later earned his master’s degree from Webster University in St. Louis, MO in Human Resource Management. After his retirement from the United States Navy, Bill was employed as a substance abuse counselor for 12 years, a rehabilitation hospital administrator, and a business and personal coach for 13 years. He was extremely active and enjoyed yoga, qigong, jogging, and walking before his affliction with Alzheimer’s. Bill also had a passion for music which continued even during his time at Reflections. He was often seen dancing in the halls while listening to music with family and staff members.

Bill was a parishioner of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Chatham. Throughout his life, he was a member of Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, and American Legion. For many years in his communities, he was a faithful volunteer for several charitable organizations, including Special Olympics which was dear to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Helen Thomas of Chatham; daughter, Beverly (husband, Joe) Rios of Chatham; sons, Bill Thomas, Jr. of Peoria, IL and Mike (wife, Grace Ann) Thomas of Springfield; and five grandchildren, Marshall, Christina, Michael, Marisa, and David.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 19, 2019, at Butler Funeral Home—Chatham, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham.

Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 20, 2019, at Butler Funeral Home—Chatham with Fr. John Nolan officiating.

Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Department of Defense.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, 2309 W. White Oaks Dr., Suite E, Springfield, IL 62704.