Gerald Thomas

GERALD THOMAS, 92 SOUTH BELOIT - Gerald Thomas, 92, of South Beloit passed away Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012, at home, surrounded by his wife of 71 years and his family. Born Aug. 22, 1919, in West Virginia. He married Lillian B. Bland on Feb. 1, 1941. Gerald, had a 20-year career in the U.S. Army. He served in World War II and received the Bronze Star. He was known to many as "Sarge" or "Sgt. T." He then worked for Rockford Clutch until retiring. Gerald was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, having been a member at VFW Post 2955 and recently at Col. Thomas Lawler VFW Post 342 in Rockford. Gerald was also an integral part of starting a VFW post in North Port, Fla. A special thank you goes to Beloit Regional Hospice, At-Home Healthcare and South Beloit Fire Dept. Survivors include wife, Lillian; children, Jerry (Cindy), Steve (Diane) Thomas, Donna (Bill) Apgar, Sandy (Bill) Paris and Karen (Mike) Lindstrom; nine grandchildren, Greg, Kenny, Mike, Amanda, Andrew (Susan) Thomas, Sheri Lenz, John (Tabitha) Lenz, David R. Thomas, Vanessa Krueger and Ramon Vasquez; and 12 great-grandchildren. Funeral service at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14, at Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory, 4311 N. Mulford Road, Rockford chapel. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Machesney Park. Visitation from 10 a.m. until service time Tuesday at the funeral home. To express condolences or share a memory, visit honquestfh.com.