Richard David Thomas

Richard, or "Butch" and "Dick" as he was known by various friends and family, was born in La Grange, IL. Growing up, he spent his summers at Edgewood Valley Country Club where he met many friends. He graduated from Lyons Township High School in 1965. He completed his undergraduate degree at DePaw University in Greencastle, IN in 1969 followed by his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Indiana University in 1973.

Following graduation, Richard became a public defender in Cook County, IL, followed by Village Prosecutor in Arlington Heights, IL. He began practicing law privately from 1976 - 1992. In 1992, he began a real estate development company, Four Oaks Development with his business partner turned dear friend, Mike Schwartz.

Richard met his wife of almost 50 years, Becky, in 1972 in Bloomington, IN. They were married in August 1974 in Robinson, IL. Butch and Becky lived in Hawthorn Woods, IL for almost 30 years where they raised their two children with many beloved neighbors. Dave was born in 1981 and Greta in 1984. Greta and Dave have many fond memories of their dad growing up. He spent many afternoons mowing the "back 40", hitting golf balls off the deck, or enjoying his border collies.

Butch was an avid golfer and basketball fan. He loved to enjoy a pimento cheese sandwich while watching the Masters or cheer on his IU Hoosiers during March Madness. He was intelligent and funny, keeping everyone up-to-date on current events and investment opportunities. He earned the title of "Pop Pop" in 2016 when his grandson Thomas "Tom" was born and then again in 2021 when his granddaughter Ruth was born. Butch and Becky moved to The Woodlands, TX in 2021 to live near Greta and her family to enjoy lots of time with their grandchildren.

Butch is preceded in death by his mother-in-law Lou Bonnell, brother-in-law Greg Bonnell, niece Julie Thomas and parents Helen and Bill Thomas. He is survived by his wife Becky, children Dave (Sarah) Thomas and Greta (Scott) Madison, brothers Bill (Leslee) Thomas and Bob Thomas, sister-in-law Donna Bonnell, nephews John (Bevin) Bonnell, Andrew (Vara) Bonnell, Ryan (Dawn) Bonnell, Kent (Amber) Thomas, and grandchildren Tom and Ruth.

Butch received the gift of a liver transplant and spent many years courageously battling many health issues with "Beck" by his side. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Evan’s Scholars

Home

wgaesf.org

Private services will be held.