David Thornton Thomas

David Thornton Thomas, 88, joined his beloved Nell “Marie” on August 3rd . He passed at Centennial Pointe in Springfield, Illinois. He left this world knowing he was loved, and he was going to his eternal reward. Despite having severe heart failure for many years, he fought like the Marine he was. He thwarted death numerous times to live for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He lived to champion his family and witnessed many graduations, weddings, births and all the wonder life brought him. While there are many, each and every one was important to him. He loved to count the numbers, for anyone who would listen. He was proud of the family he created; in whatever manner they became family to him.

David was born on November 8, 1935, in Taylorville, Illinois, the son of the late Edward A. and Mary Jane (Thornton) Thomas. He and his family later moved to a farm in Edinburg, Illinois where Dave attended Edinburg High School. It was here that he was a state-recognized and accomplished member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA). After graduation, Dave joined the United States Marine Corp, where he would remain for 9 years, 6 months and 13 days; achieving the rank of Sergeant. After an honorable discharge, Dave utilized his skills to work as an aircraft mechanic at Northrop Grumman Aeronautics, on their “power plants” aka “jet engines” to laypersons. However, this colloquial terminology would later become very useful when David utilized his knowledge of “power plants” to secure employment with the City of Kissimmee’s Roy E. Hansel Power Plant. Dave remained a resident of Kissimmee for decades, where he was an active community member, and who faithfully served his church, 1st United Presbyterian, for many years. Soon after Marie passed in 1996, Dave retired from the Kissimmee Utility Authority and returned to his home state of Illinois.

Dave loved spending time with his family and friends. He could often be found cheering on his children at all their sporting or school events. He was an avid fan of the Rochester High School football team and spent many hours sweating or freezing on metal benches to support his favorite team, even long after his progeny had graduated. Family and friends were important to Dave, and even well into his 80’s, he made the long 18-hour drive back to Florida to spend time with them there. Dave was a father or grandfather to many and loved all without hesitation. In later years, he could be found whipping up a batch of cookies or sweet treats, reading a good book and sharing it with friends, playing cards with his buddies, honing his bowling skills on the Wii or sitting at Bingo, and sharing his winnings with others. David had a life well lived. He was loved by his friends and family, and he never met a stranger. If you were lucky enough to be in Dave’s fold, you were his family…plain and simple.

Dave is survived by his children, David Bruce (Valerie) Thomas of Bradenton, FL, Michael Lynn Thomas of Jacksonville, FL, Lisa Marie (Britton) Swaine of Petersburg, IL, David John (Rachelle) of St. Cloud, FL, Janell Valerie (Christopher) Thomas-Turner of Petersburg, IL, Jeffrey Jonathon (Alexis) Thomas of Springfield, IL and Dylan Daniel Thomas of Springfield, IL. He is also survived by his cousins Sharon Rogers and Margaret Parsons, both of Taylorville, IL. Additionally Dave has numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who survive him and will carry on his legacy.

Apart from his parents and his wife, Marie, Dave was preceded in death by two of his children, Diana Thompson and Brenda Leach; two grandchildren Hollan Thomas and William Turner; his brother John “Jack” Thomas and two previous wives, Patsy Ward and Mary Thomas.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bisch and Son Funeral Home, Springfield, IL, with a private family viewing and cremation rights to be accorded. His cremains will then make a final trip to Florida for an inurnment next to Marie, with full Marine Corps Honors at Osceola Memory Gardens in Kissimmee, FL. on August 23rd. For local friends and family, a “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date.