Manly John Thomas Sr.

Manly John Thomas, Sr., 87 of Belleville, Illinois was born in Los Angeles, California on December 27, 1926. Manly passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2014 at Rosewood Care Center, Swansea, Illinois with his family at his side.

Manly was a Chief Warrant Officer Retired, United States Army, WW II Veteran. He also, retired from Aviation Command in St. Louis, Missouri, He was with the 101st Airborne and served in the Philippines, Japan and Okinawa. He was one of the family’s long line of military men and took great pride in the military. He carried that commitment and love throughout his entire life.

Manly attended the Union United Methodist Church. He was a member of the American Legion. His quest of knowledge was always his motivation and he had a keen interest in world history. He was a master Rod Crafter and took immense pleasure in designing and making custom fishing rods. He advanced his skill by attending national seminars.

Manly’s love of fishing brought him great enjoyment and his long range deep-sea fishing trips with his brother, Dale were filled with anticipation and excitement.

Memorials in Manly’s memory may be made to Belleville Area Humane Society or Union United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.valhallagardensandfuneralhome.com

Manly was preceded in death by an infant son, Manly John Thomas, Jr., and his parents, Manly H. and Evelyn M., nee Nittler Thomas.

Surviving is his forever sweetheart whom he married on September 3, 1950, Jean Elizabeth Thomas,nee Shelton; His loved and adored children, Elaine (Mike) Westbrooks, Linda (Michael) Bush and Cynthia (Rogers) Griffith; grandchildren, Erinn and Joseph Manly Bush, Elizabeth, Ashley and Michael Thomas (Ashley Sophia) Westbrooks and Alijah Griffith; great grandchildren, Reid and Parker Westbrooks; brother, Dale (Janie) Thomas, sister in laws, Doris Threloff and Betty Edwards. Also, survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation: Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, October 23, 2014, at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, Illinois.

Funeral: Funeral Services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, October 23, 2014, at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, Illinois.

Interment will be held in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.

Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home. Belleville, Illinois.