J. Richard Thomas

1933 - 2024

J. Richard Thomas
Born: July 11, 1933 in Streator, IL.
Died: December 18, 2024 in Bloomington, IL.
J. Richard "Dick"/ "Poppo" Thomas, 91, of Normal and formerly of Streator passed away Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at The Villas of Holly Brook, Bloomington.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 A.M. Thursday, December 26th at Epiphany Catholic Church, 1000 E. College Ave., Normal, Illinois 61761.
Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. until the time of the services Thursday, December 26th at Epiphany Catholic Church, 1000 E. College Ave., Normal, Illinois 61761.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Private burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery. The Solon-Telford Funeral Home, Streator is in charge of the arrangements.
Born July 11, 1933 in Streator he was the son of Logan and Mary (Mateer) Thomas. He married Ruth A. Promenschenkel on June 26, 1954 at St. Anthony Church, Streator. She preceded him in death on November 23, 2017.
He is survived by a son, Joseph (Karan) Thomas of Holland, Indiana; daughters, Jamie St. John of Washington, Tracy (Thomas) Majernik of Normal and Beth (Mike) Wagner of Normal; grandchildren, Abby (Brett) Bueltel of Cincinnati, Ohio, Jeff (Erin) Thomas of Holland, Indiana, Sara (Jim) Norris of Washington, Krystal (Trent) West of Nokomis, Illinois, Andrew (Lauren) Majernik of Bloomington, Becca Wagner of St. Louis and Matthew Wagner of Normal; great grandchildren, Ainsley and Brayden Bueltel; Jacob, Franklin and Adelaide Norris; Kayla, Silas and Riley West; and Garrett, Greyson and Gwendolyn Majernik.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a grandson, Thomas R. Majernik; a son in law, Marvin St. John; sisters, Katherine Gross, Ann Rhodes and Evelyn McMeen; and brothers, Robert and John "Jack" Thomas.
Born and raised in Streator he attended Streator grade schools and graduated from Streator High School in the Class of 1951.
Dick worked for Streator Times Press for 41 years retiring June 30, 1993. He started with the paper as an Apprentice in the Composing Room and retired as the Production Manager. He also worked for HiLo Gas Station for 25 years, Streator Community Liquors for 8 years and at Smitty's in Leonore, Illinois for 10 years. He also did odd jobs for Bill Vietti.
He was a member of Epiphany Catholic Church in Normal and was formerly a member of St. Anthony of Padua Church, Streator. He was also a member of the Msgr. George A. Dzuryo Knights of Columbus Council #790, where he served as Grand Knight from 1985-1986. He was instrumental through the years establishing the steak and chicken dinners at the K of C. He was part of establishing the Tri Parish Dance which helped to raise funds for the three parish schools. He was also past President for the Illinois Newspaper Conference.
Known to many as the "Mayor"of Prafke Addition (in Streator), he became the "Mayor" of Pheasant Ridge (in Normal). He was the Master of "B.S." Becoming a grandfather, he became Poppo to his grandchildren and then to everyone who knew him. An avid Chicago Cubs fan, Poppo would have his garage door open to any visitors, to take in a Cubs game and "B.S.", and enjoy an ice cold beer. He also enjoyed attending any games at IWU, and visiting with the fans. He knew no strangers. Poppo would often say in the last seven years that, "He couldn't wait to get to Heaven to be with his beautiful wife Ruth". He will be dearly missed by his loving family and friends.
The family would like to especially thank Doc and Tracy, A.J and the Swingler's for the special friendship they showed their dad.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Illinois Wesleyan University Athletics Department.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.solontelford.com