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BORN
1935
DIED
2019
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Charles Thome Obituary
MAPLETON - Charles Gene "Chuck" Thome, 83, of Mapleton, Illinois, passed away Saturday, March 16, 2019, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on June 4, 1935, in Peoria, Illinois to Charles Arthur and Lois (Mason) Thome.. He married Joyce Joanne Gilmore on February 5, 1955, in Peoria, Illinois. She preceded him in death on January 5, 2005, in Mapleton, Illinois.
He was also preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Art and Jack Thome; one sister, Carolyn Hart; and one great-granddaughter.
Chuck is survived by five children, Chuck (Jada) Thome of Farmington, Illinois, Randy (Teri) Thome of Washington, Illinois, Lori (Frank) Larson of Farmington, Illinois, Jennifer (Johnny) Ellis of Peoria, Illinois, and James (Andrea) Thome of Burr Ridge, Illinois; sixteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; one sister, Sherry Diegel of Pekin, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.
He worked 40 years, retiring in 1995 from Caterpillar, Inc. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He was very proud to be a Charter Member of the Baseball and Softball Juggernaut known as the "Family of Hitters." Chuck was the batting champion in the Sunday Morning League in 1964, and voted League MVP the following year. He was very proud to have won a batting title and MVP award in the most prestigious softball league in the country, The Metro League in Rock Island, Illinois, a league that recruited players from all over the United States. Chuck was very proud playing in Seven International Softball Congress World Tournaments. It was recognized nationwide as the best softball of its time. He won the MVP and batting title in consecutive years. He was recognized as a very tough clutch hitter against the top pitcher in the world. He was a member of the Peoria Area Sports Hall of Fame. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He loved following sports and being the #1 Jim Thome Fan. He enjoyed spending his time with his family and friends.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 21, 2019, at the Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home, 2408 West Willow Knolls Drive, Peoria, IL 61614. The Rev. Craig Hislope will officiate. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral chapel. Burial will be in the Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria.
Memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald's House in Peoria.
You may create an online condolence at www.woolsey-wilton.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Thome
Sponsored by Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home.
Carol McElfresh
March 22, 2019
My prayers are with the Thome family may your dad and grandpa RIP. I'm so sorry
Jim hislope
March 20, 2019
my sincerest condolences to the Thome family
Mike Schwabe
March 20, 2019
Thome Family
I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad and grandpa. A great guy! I talked to him last year at American Grill. We shared a few stories and laughs. I have a lot of fond memories of Chuck which I will hold close forever. What a legend in Fast Pitch Softball -- none any better.
Chuck touched a lot of lives in so many ways and will be missed by all. It was my honor and pleasure to have known him and his family for many years. Prayers and condolences to all of you.
Mike Schwabe
Leif Erickson
March 20, 2019
To Chuck's family, we offer our deepest sympathy and prayers. Chuck and I have been good friends for many years and fellow teammates and competitors throughout the 1960s. We reconnected last summer and maintained monthly contact by phone. While we were visiting last summer in my hometown of Galesburg, Chuck and I met for lunch in Rock Island with former players. We thoroughly enjoyed the day. I will really miss him and our conversations!!
candy heisel
March 20, 2019
Thome family, you have my deepest sympathy. Prayers for strength & comfort during this difficult time.
Ronald Hoover
March 20, 2019
March 20, 2019
To the Thome family, I was sadden when I receive a voice message from a friend in Peoria about the passing of Chuck. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time of need.
Jim, Rock Hill the beginning of your great career.
Barbara (Roderick) Smith
March 20, 2019
Prayers for the family,remembering the family gatherings on Smithville road that always included a baseball game, the Sunday morning league and good times with family after the game. Seeing Chuck at one of Jim's games or when Cheryl (his sister) and I my kids journeyed to Spring training . He was there supporting his son. I am sure Chuck will see my mom
(Jessie May Thome Burdess Roderick ) an the other
Thomes that went before and talk baseball or join a heavenly game.
Cate Closen
March 20, 2019
Dear Chuck, Randy, Lori, Jen and Jim I want to give all of you my sincerest condolences for your loss of your wonderful father. He was such a great guy! I pray God will help all of you thru your grieving, and provide you with strength, comfort and healing. You have my deepest sympathy and Love.
Pat Coffey
March 19, 2019
Megan & Rod, and entire Thome Family; I'm so sorry to hear about this tremendous loss. I know he meant the world to you, and know he treasured the time with Tate & Mason. Love & hugs.
Angela Herold Molleck
March 19, 2019
I am so sorry for the grief this tremendous loss brings to his loved ones, but for Chuck, I close my eyes and imagine the glory he found awaiting him. Oh what a glorious image. You must know, our loved ones never leave us, for they remain in the hearts of those of who loved them forever. You have only to close your eyes and right there you will find him whenever you need him.
I am keeping your family close in thought and prayer throughout these difficult days as you lay your Dad, Grandpa & Brother to rest. May you find peace in knowing that he lives in eternal peace with the many loved ones who have gone before him and that one day we too will see him again.
Mike Selk
March 19, 2019
Jim and Family,
I was saddened to hear that your father passed away. Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember your father who was so close to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
My sincere condolences,
Mike Selk
Jerry Jacobs
March 19, 2019
My condolences to the entire Thome family, I first met Mr. Thome when I played with Randy on the Keystone team at Limestone LL and all thru Limestone HS. Always new him to push us to be our best but to have fun. Was an intimidating figure to a young man. Great memories. Fun now to know we had a HOF as our bat boy. Jerry Jacobs and Terri Cornelius
Troy Zike
March 19, 2019
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Ed Papis
March 19, 2019
To the Thome, we send our condolences. We always enjoyed seeing Chuck at Schooners with Gebby. He made everyone very comfortable when he was around. Our thoughts are with all of his family. Sincerely Ed and Joanie Papis
Terri Carrick
March 18, 2019
To the Thome family: Chuck, Lori, Randy, Jenny and Jim. It has been a pleasure to know your dad and to share in so many special moments together. These pictures are wonderful and capture his deep pride as a dad and grandparent. We are sad for your loss and will be thinking of you and praying for your comfort and healing. In sympathy and with love, Terri and Kevin Carrick and kids.
Mike and Sharon Hargrove
March 18, 2019
Chuck and Joyce were a mainstay at many Tribe home games in Cleveland while Jim played there!! We were so blessed by becoming great friends with such an amazing family. You can't think of Chuck without smiling! He will he missed by The entire Grover Gang!!!! May you Rest In Peace with Joyce dear friend.
Susan Pierce
March 18, 2019
My sympathy to the whole family. Great photo and obituary. Hugs and prayers to all. I'm sorry I will be out of town and unable to attend the services.
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Robert Hilsabeck
March 17, 2019
I am very sorry about Chuck Jr. passing. I am a cousin and I went to grade school with Art and Jack while they lived out by the Air port before they moved to town. I know Chuck Jr is Jim Thome's Dad. And I had talked to Carolyn on the phone. So sorry about Chuck Jr. Passing. Bob H.
Brian Hipes
March 17, 2019
Mr. Thome was more than a father; he was as inspiration to all that knew him. He made people laugh with his stories and his many jokes.
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