Robert L. Thomas, 84, Mt. Vernon, passed away at 4:45 p.m. Sunday, July 20, 2008, at nature Trail Health Care Center in Mt. Vernon.

He was born in Dahlgren on Friday, April 18, 1924, a son of Elmer M. and Effie (Carr) Thomas.

He married Betty Webb on Jan. 12, 1949, in Mt. Vernon. She preceded him in death on Sept. 28, 2002.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Thursday at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon with the Rev. Gene Auxier officiating. Interment will follow at South Hickory Hill Cemetery in Jefferson County. Members of Mt. Vernon American Legion Post 141 will conduct Full Military Honors at the cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Robert is survived by two sons, Jimmy Ray Thomas and wife Norma of Mt. Vernon and Johnny Duane Thomas of Mt. Vernon; daughter, Meca Peterson and husband Oram of Woodlawn; brother, Perry Thomas and wife Mary of Bluford; sister, Betty Minson of Benton; and 10 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

His parents; his wife; one son, Robert L. Thomas, Jr.; four brothers, Elmer Jr., John, Maxie and Charles Arthur; and one sister, Edna McDaniel preceded him in death.

Robert was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army 3rd Cavalry from March 1943 to November 1945, was a truck driver and member of Y.EW. Post 1376 and Mt. Vernon American Legion Post 141 and was Baptist by faith.

For those who wish, memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the funeral home or may be mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 721, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home where you may call 242-3348 or visit www.hugheyfuneralhome1969.com for further information and to send condolences.

Source: Mount Vernon Register News
Date: June 12, 2008
Submitted by: Cindy Ford