John Earl Thomas joined his Lord and Savior on February 3, 2023. He was born on May 2, 1940, to Inez (Neva) and Francis Earl Thomas in Effingham, Illinois. John made his living in the auto industry as a self-employed car body man for 35 years. A faithful servant, John was a member of Restoration Tabernacle for 24 years, serving as an elder for 20 years. He always looked forward to attending church and found great fulfillment in testifying and sharing the love of the Lord.

John loved to tinker with antique cars and was quite gifted in their restoration. He could often be found attending swap meets and collecting guns. He enjoyed bluegrass gospel music and the television show Gunsmoke.

He is preceded in death by his parents Inez and Francis Thomas, and his sister Lorraine Loy.

Left to cherish John’s memory is his beloved wife of nearly 30 years – Mary Thomas, sister; Patsy Loy and husband Gaylord Loy; numerous children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Services to honor John will be held Thursday, February 9, 2023, at 11:00AM at Boze Mitchell McKibbin Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Derlon Wilson officiating. There will be a visitation for friends and family one hour prior to the service at 10:00AM.