Harold E. Thomas, 73, of Farmersville, died on Thursday, May 8, 2025, peacefully at home.
Per Mr. Thomas’ wishes, there will be no formal services. Cremation rites have been accorded. Arrangements are in the care of Hough Memorial Home in Farmersville.
Mr. Thomas was born on Feb. 5, 1952, in Springfield, the son of Bill and Stella (Walkup) Thomas. He was a storyteller, a problem-solver, a lover of westerns and a man with a sweet tooth and a full head of hair he was proud to keep perfectly combed.
Mr. Thomas married Patricia “Patti” Hubbs and together they had five children. Although their paths later diverged, their shared love for family remained strong. On July 7, 2007, he found love again and married Margaret “Peggy” Moore, his partner until her passing in 2022.
Mr. Thomas had a gift for understanding how things worked, whether it was in the yard, under the hood or behind the scenes. He started his career as a groundskeeper at the Illinois Governor’s Mansion, helping create the lush surroundings many admired. He later worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation, where he retired as an administrative manager of the motor pool.
He loved the open road and, in his younger years, could often be found riding his motorcycle. He never went far without a Charleston Chew, black jelly beans, Snow Caps, or Circus Peanuts. And if there was a John Wayne movie or an episode of The Three Stooges on, you knew where to find him.
Mr. Thomas always had a story—some of them true, most of them… well, close enough. But that was part of the charm. Whether it was a wild adventure, a family memory with a few extra twists, or a joke he swore actually happened, his stories never failed to bring a smile. One didn’t listen for the facts—one listened because it was him and that made every word worth remembering.
Mr. Thomas’ life wasn’t perfect, but it was full—of laughter, love and stories that will be told for generations.
Mr. Thomas is survived by his five children, Brent (Victoria “Tory”) Thomas of Glenarm, Bridgette (Randy) Crosslin of Eglin Air Force Base, FL, Tiffany (Jeff) Bartolazzi of Beaufort, SC, William “Billy” Thomas of Berlin and Tamala Barker-Davis of Litchfield. He was “Grandpa Thomas” to 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren who filled his life with pride and joy. He is also survived by his siblings; Steven (Lori) Thomas of Virginia, Tricia Thomas of Carlinville, Kelli (Billy) Hull of Griggsville and Chuck (Charlotte) Thomas of Griggsville; and his aunt, Jeannette Landis of Springfield.
Mr. Thomas was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Peggy; parents; brothers, Ronald “Ronnie” and Alan Thomas; and two great-grandchildren, November-Reign and Maverick.
