Loren Everet “Pete” Thomas, 89, of Burnside, Ill., passed away on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, at his home in Burnside.
Pete was born on Sept. 22, 1935, in Adrian, Ill. He was the son of Hubert and Goldie Siegfried Thomas. Pete attended elementary school at Liberty Country School, where we would walk two miles every day. He graduated from Laharpe High School in 1953. Pete was united in marriage to Doloris Smith on Sept. 1, 1956. They later divorced.
Pete’s first job out of high school was for TP&W Railroad. He then began farming in 1958 until he retired. Pete never met a stranger. He would help out anyone. You could find Pete spending his free time at the VFW or The Eagles Club. Pete was a loving father and grandfather and will be missed by many.
Pete is survived by his two children, Tammy Thomas of Burlington, Iowa, and Terry Thomas of Burnside, Ill.; his grandchildren, Andrew Thomas-Lafferty of Burlington, Iowa, Luke Thomas of Dallas City, Ill., and Laura Thomas of Carthage, Ill.; and his great-grandchildren, Zak Thomas, Lillie Thomas, and Arlo Thomas.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Teresa Thomas, and his siblings, Lloyd Thomas, Wayne “Slim” Thomas, Vernon “Spud” Thomas, Keith “Smokie” Thomas, Thelma “Chub” Ballinger, Byard “Bub” Thomas, and Joann “Toe head” Thomas.
A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, at Burnside Christian Church in Burnside, Ill., with burial following at Thornber Cemetery near Powellton. A visitation was held before the service from 9 to 11 a.m. at the church.
Memorials may be made to the Carthage VFW or The Eagles Club in Carthage. Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is handling arrangements.