By Jim Meridith
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5 Comments
    • Service

      A service is being planned for a later date.

    • Full Obituary

      Martin "Jeff" Thomas, 72, of Cisne, IL., passed away peacefully on January 15th, 2025, at the Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville IN, surrounded by his family.

      Jeff was born in Taylorville, Illinois on August 11th, 1952, to Kenneth Deane Thomas Sr and Thelma Dillon Thomas. He grew up in Mt. Auburn, IL and moved to Cisne, IL as a child. There he enjoyed riding horses and working on the family farm. Jeff attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and spent time in the Peace Corps in a remote area of Iran. He met his wife in Vincennes, IN and got married in 1980. He built his family cabin in 1987, with his father, where he and Deborah would raise their children.

      He owned a successful business, Thomas Chimney Sweep, which provided services in counties across Southern Illinois. Jeff was a well-known and highly respected resident of Wayne County. His family and church were the center of his life. He was a wonderful father, always making time for his children while working full-time, and he raised his granddaughter like a dad. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading history and fiction, watching old movies, listening to music full volume, and spending time with his German Shepherd Bear, who he called his best friend. He was a man of strong faith, attending church every Sunday at Enterprise Community Church, and always reminding his family that the day he got to meet Jesus would be a glorious one. He was a good neighbor, always offering a helping hand where he could, and took care of everyone else before himself. He loved his life where he was and always said, “It’s a beautiful day in Southern Illinois!” He was happiest on his farm, taking walks with his dog, and being with his family.

      Jeff is survived by his wife Deborah Thomas; two daughters Gwyn Thomas and Natalie Thomas; sister Linda Baggot; granddaughter Jade Jones, and his great grandson Phoenix Rhodes; two nieces and three nephews, Noelle Patton, Kenneth Deane Thomas III, and Richard Thomas, Arlyn Baggot and Laura Lishka.

      He is preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Deane Thomas Jr.; his niece, Nikki Baggot; and his parents, Kenneth Deane Thomas Sr, and Thelma Dillon Thomas.

      A service is being planned for a later date.

      Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com.

      Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home, Cisne, IL.

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    5 Condolences
     
    1. Noelle Thomas-Patton / January 21, 2025 at 2:30 pm

      Jeff was my daddy’s baby brother and my hero. I planned to marry him until, at age 6, I discovered Donny Osmond. If everyone could have an Uncle Jeff like my Uncle Jeff, the world would be a much better place. I love you tons n bunches, my dear uncle. I am not saying Bye Bye Horsefly, even though that’s what we yelled out the windows every time we headed home but I am saying See you Later, Alligator—because I will. And we yelled that out the windows too. Being your Sweetcheeks has been the honor of a lifetime. Until Jesus reunites us, I will love you forever. Noelle

    2. Steve and Linda Spicer / January 21, 2025 at 4:48 pm

      So sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of your family.

    3. Ronnie Drayton Kelly / January 21, 2025 at 9:38 pm

      I met Jeff when I moved here from SC. He immediately embraced me as his son, I also called called him dad. My father died when I was 11, and he immediately got the bill. Such an amazing man! I’ve always considered myself rather smart, but I could talk to him for 15 minutes and he would teach me something. We would share stories about the Midwest and I would tell him how things were in SC, amongst endless other knowledge.

      Another thing that we had completely In common was music! The second I moved to the farm, he IMMEDIATELY wanted me to build him a crazy music set up. Which I wanted to do more than anything. Well, I gave him what he wanted and you could hear it all over CR 2050 East! We would sit and try to one up each other with bands we knew. He always loved when he found a group of never heard of, which was rare. His line would always be “Really you’ve never heard of…..”, and I would have to admit the shame. It was rare as we are both audiophiles.

      After spending so much time with the man, at home, over dinner, on his job. I can gratefully say he is without doubt one of the greatest people I’ve ever met in my life. I just want to say I’m completely distraught how quick this happened, and Dad I love you with all my heart, and I miss you terribly! Sleep well Pops ❤️

    4. Ruth Miller and the Miller Family / January 23, 2025 at 7:40 am

      My sister chose well when she chose Jeff to be her husband. They don’t come any better than the man he was. A man of great caring, strength and belief. I can still hear his voice in that Southern Illinois accent. I could hear in that accent, and the way he lived his life, the history of the Midwest and the great families that settled there. He was a testament to those people. Solid, upright, hardworking devoted people and Jeff was the very definition of that.
      My sister was a lucky lady and she loved him dearly. His daughters and grandchildren were just as lucky to have him and had great love for him. My family and I loved him dearly as well. Keep an eye on us Jeff, we know you’ll be watching over us all, there’s no stopping your caring nature. We love you.

    5. Marilyn G Copple / January 24, 2025 at 9:37 am

      I met Jeff when I came to Cisne as Postmaster. He was always very kind and courteous. I know he will be missed.

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