William "Bill" Edward Thomas

MURPHYSBORO - William "Bill" Edward Thomas, 83, of Murphysboro, Illinois, passed away from this world at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at Union County Hospital. He was born on February 7, 1929, to Fred L. and Eva Marie (Schneider) Thomas, in Sikeston, MO. Bill married Ruth Ellen Tippy on November 2, 1963 in Carbondale. She preceded him in death on March 26, 1999. Bill worked for Universal Glass and Haakes Glass Store in Carbondale as a Glazier. He served in the Navy during WWII and the Korean War and was at the atomic testing at Bikini A-Toll. He was a life member of the Murphysboro VFW Post #7190. He was also a member of the Murphysboro American Legion Post #127, as well as The Eagles Lodge Arie #2569 in Carbondale, Jackson County Disabled American Veterans Chapter 69 in Murphysboro and the Atomic War Veterans. Bill is preceded in death by one son, Bill E Thomas Jr. and two brothers, John and Fred Thomas. Survivors include his two sons, Michael "Andy" (Donna) Thomas of Murphysboro, and Brian "Pat" (Sara) Thomas of Chester; one daughter, Eva (Melvin) Smith of Ava; 9 grandchildren, Bethany (Jeremy) Townley, Jody (Scott) Nance, William "Billy" (Jennifer) Thomas, Nick, Alicia, Paige, and Timothy Thomas, Devon Tudor, and Evan Lay. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 16, 2012 at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale with Reverend Robert Gray officiating. Burial with Military Rites will be at Murdale Gardens of Memory in Murphysboro. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday, June 15, 2012 at Meredith Funeral Home, Carbondale. Memorial donations to Jackson County Disabled American Veterans are the preferred form of remembrance and will be accepted at the funeral home.



Service:



10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 16, 2012



Meredith Funeral Home Carbondale, IL







Visitation:



5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, June 15, 2012



Meredith Funeral Home Carbondale, IL