Joseph Anthony Thomas Jr.

He was born on September 13, 1941, in Peoria to Joseph and Helen (Doty) Thomas. He married Patsy Lorentz, and together had two children. A bit later in life Joe met and married Janet "Jan" Wood on August 24, 1972, in Peoria. She preceded him in death on July 14, 2020.

Also preceding him in death are his parents, and brother, Vern Thomas.

He is survived by his son, Rick (Dawn) Thomas of Peoria; his daughters, Pat (Joe) Peters of Normal, Leslie (Chuck) Branch of the St. Louis, MO area; grandchildren, Brittany Allison, Austin Thomas, Kyle Kusch, Ashley Kusch, Josh Branch, Cory (Michelle) Branch, Matthew Branch, and Aubrey Branch; two great-grandchildren, Titus and Charlotte Branch; and one brother, Bob Thomas.

Joe was an extremely hard working man. After receiving his masters degree, he taught for 33 years at Manual High School, teaching Anatomy and Physiology until his retirement in 2002. He simultaneously worked as a Real Estate agent for Coldwell Banker, where he retired from in 2018. He was very active in an investment club, where they often discussed the stock market.

Per Joe's wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Peoria.

Words of comfort may be shared at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com for the Thomas family.