Ernest "Ernie" Paul Thomack, 65, of Litchfield, died on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 16, at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Funeral services for Mr. Thomack will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, also at Zion Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in Edgewood Cemetery. Plummer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Thomack was born in Neligh, NE, a son of the Rev. Alwin Willian and Ruth Serene (Aamoth) Thomack. He attended schools in Otwell and Terre Haute, IN, and he graduated from Massac County High School in Metropolis, with the class of 1976. He attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, and studied music. He married the former Janice Ann Meyer on May 15, 1982 at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gillespie, IL, and she survives.
In his early working years, Mr. Thomack was employed at Ruyle Burial Supply and its successor, Lincoln Casket Co. He was warehouse manager and delivery man. He then was elevated to salesman and held that position for several years. He then became the area insurance agent for Aid Association for Lutherans, prior to it becoming Thrivent.
Mr. Thomack was a well-known talented professional musician and vocalist. He was currently one of the organists at Zion Lutheran Church, where he was a faithful member and the director of music. He participated in the church Easter passion play, “The Promise,” as the music director. Mr. Thomack also filled in playing the organ at various churches in the area. He was also a trumpeter, playing “Taps” for several Veteran military funeral honors ceremonies. He also played and sang at numerous weddings and funeral services over the years. Mr. Thomack was also involved with the music programs of Litchfield Community Unit School District, preparing students for music contests and often serving as accompanist for those events, and played in the pit band for high school plays and productions. He was often involved providing piano background music for local fund-raising dinners and events.
In addition to his musical talents, Mr. Thomack enjoyed sports, and was a certified IHSA referee, officiating baseball, basketball and soccer games. As his children grew up, he was active in coaching sports teams, and did so for several years.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Thomack is survived by his sons Andrew (Caitlynn) Thomack of Highland and Timothy (Katy) Thomack of Parker, CO, and daughter, Anna (Bryce) Clayton of St. Louis, MO; three brothers Luther (Barbara) Thomack of Moorehead, KY, Walter (Yvonne) Thomack of Maysville, MO, John (Colette) Thomack of Jacksonville, FL, a sister Ruth (John) Phillips of Newport, MI; brother-in-law Wayne (Pam) Meyer of Algonquin; and eight grandchildren, James, David, Josie, Walter and William Thomack, Zeke and Asher Thomack and Eleanor Clayton.
Mr. Thomack is preceded in death by his parents. The family asks memorials be directed to Zion Lutheran Church of Litchfield.
To light a virtual candle, sign the on-line guestbook or for directions, please visit www.plummerfuneralservices.com
