Thomas Edward White

Thomas Edward White was born on October 24, 1941 in Columbus, Mississippi, to the union of Mary Staples White and Foree White. Thomas would only spend a few years in Mississippi before his parents packed up the family to relocate to the town of Kankakee, Illinois where they would remain for the rest of Thomas’s childhood.

Thomas was a man of faith who found Christ at an early age. Thomas attended Kankakee High School, graduating in 1959 with honors and a wrestling scholarship. Illinois State University was his next stop before moving on to become a United States Airman in 1961. After a four year term which would take him to locations all over the world, Thomas matriculated from the Air Force in 1965 and set his sights on completing college, soon enrolling at the University of Illinois - Chicago. In 1971, Thomas graduated with honors from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Afterwards, Thomas considered a career as a lawyer, going on to complete two years at John Marshall Law School before choosing a different path.

Those who knew him would describe Thomas as a Renaissance Man. Once he had taken his education and training as far as he wanted to go, he launched a professional career that trajected from a flight reservationist for TWA, to a retail manager with Sears & Roebuck, an accomplished real estate broker and home renovator, and a host of other careers where his ease with people, gift of gab, knowledge of the humane, and other skillsets would lift his profile as a specialist others should emulate. Eventually, Thomas found his home in the social services working as an advocate and protector of children. Thomas first worked as a Probation Officer for the Juvenile Court of Cook County and later ascended to the role of Child Protection Investigator for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. During his tenure as Investigator, Thomas’s coworkers and supervisors often cited his meticulous investigations and exemplary written reports. Thomas was also an advocate of worker’s rights, becoming heavily involved in his local AFSCME chapter. Thomas would retire as Child Protection Investigator in 2010 and spent his time in retirement reading and enjoying some well-earned relaxation. He was a historian, an armchair political commentator, a sports enthusiast, and a multifaceted athlete when he was younger. Thomas was also well known for his skills at the barbecue grill, where he counseled many a young man and woman over curdling smoke and sizzling meat coated in his special “top secret” barbecue sauce (a secret recipe he held dear until it followed him into the next life).

Most of all, Thomas was a beloved husband and father. In 1981, he would meet Sherry Sims when Sherry’s mother Constance, who worked in the same office building as Thomas, decided to double as cupid. Ms. Constance’s original plan was to introduce Thomas to someone other than her daughter Sherry. But God had other plans, stepping in to pair Thomas and Sherry for a lifetime courtship and eventual marriage. In 1991, this union would produce one precious son (Joshua-Josef) joining Thomas’s other children produced during his younger years. Both possessing a love for family and children, Sherry and Thomas also raised and rallied a host of God children, family members, and friends. Thomas answered God’s call on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois surrounded by his loved ones. Thomas will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and all of the lives he was able to touch. Preceding Thomas in death are his parents Mary and Foree White, his son Vinson, and his siblings, LeRoy, Frances, Lizzella, and Foree, Jr. Thomas leaves to carry on his legacy, his loving wife Sherry, his children, and a host of other loved ones, family and friends.

A visitation and funeral for Thomas will be held Monday, October 21, 2024 visitation from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W 103rd St, Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453 and funeral service to followed at 11:00 AM. Interment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood, IL.