Martin “Jeff” Thomas, 72, of Cisne, IL., passed away peacefully on January 15th, 2025, at the Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville IN, surrounded by his family.
Jeff was born in Taylorville, Illinois on August 11th, 1952, to Kenneth Deane Thomas Sr and Thelma Dillon Thomas.
He grew up in Mt. Auburn, IL and moved to Cisne, IL as a child. There he enjoyed riding horses and working on the family farm. Jeff attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and spent time in the Peace Corps in a remote area of Iran. He met his wife in Vincennes, IN and got married in 1980. He built his family cabin in 1987, with his father, where he and Deborah would raise their children.
He owned a successful business, Thomas Chimney Sweep, which provided services in counties across Southern Illinois. Jeff was a well-known and highly respected resident of Wayne County. His family and church were the center of his life. He was a wonderful father, always making time for his children while working full-time, and he raised his granddaughter like a dad. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading history and fiction, watching old movies, listening to music full volume, and spending time with his German Shepherd Bear, who he called his best friend. He was a man of strong faith, attending church every Sunday at Enterprise Community Church, and always reminding his family that the day he got to meet Jesus would be a glorious one. He was a good neighbor, always offering a helping hand where he could, and took care of everyone else before himself. He loved his life where he was and always said, “It’s a beautiful day in Southern Illinois!” He was happiest on his farm, taking walks with his dog, and being with his family.
Jeff is survived by his wife Deborah Thomas; two daughters Gwyn Thomas and Natalie Thomas; sister Linda Baggot; granddaughter Jade Jones, and his great grandson Phoenix Rhodes; two nieces and three nephews, Noelle Patton, Kenneth Deane Thomas III, and Richard Thomas, Arlyn Baggot and Laura Lishka.
He is preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Deane Thomas Jr.; his niece, Nikki Baggot; and his parents, Kenneth Deane Thomas Sr, and Thelma Dillon Thomas. A service is being planned for a later date.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com.
Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home, Cisne is in charge of the arrangements.
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