John W. Thomas

John Wesley Thomas, 89, of Mansfield, passed away on Sunday 2, 2026, at his home. John was born in Danville on January 9, 1937, the son of Ross L. and Wynona M. (Ashmore) Thomas.

John is survived by his sister, Shirley (Gene) Highfill; nephew, Thomas (Jeanette) Alexander; nieces, Pamella (Mark) Hudson, Lorri (Scott) Yeoward, Shelly Highfill, Chetina Understood; great-nephews, Jessa Alexander, Adam Hardy, Nicholas Wilkins, Dylan Whitehead; great-nieces, Taylor Alexander, Tera Garrett, Cortney Highfill, Tiffany Murphy; great great-nephews, Brayden Garrett, Kamden Garrett, Preston Wilkins, Parker Wilkins, Deonta Hill, Jurrien Hill, Kiyre Murphy, Brendan Hubert; great great-nieces, Tinley Garrett, Iva Philbeck; special friends, Bob and Kristi Seaman, Jeremy (Aussie) Seaman, Jason (Colette) Seaman; and many friends including, Ellis and Mollie Donley, Kendra and Eric Free, Kaylea and Benny Van Whye, Kelsie and Cody Briggs, and Quentin Donley.

John graduated from Danville High School, class of 1955. During high school, he joined the U.S. Naval Reserves and remained until 1956, when he joined the Navy. John retired from the Navy after 30 years, earning numerous ribbons and awards. He served on the Apollo 15 recovery ship and in both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets, in Amphibious, Submarine, and Naval Air Forces. He also served in both National and NATO command while overseas in Naples, Italy. During his time in Naples, he took advantage of the opportunity and traveled to many European Countries. John ended his career as a senior radioman instructor at Fleet Training Unit, Little Creek, Virginia.

After his military career, John worked for and retired from British Petroleum and then relocated to Illinois, where he worked for the Mahomet-Seymour School District.

In his spare time, John enjoyed supporting, attending, and photographing the Mahomet-Seymour High School and Parkland Sports. He also loved to camp at his favorite campsite at Patoka Lake in Indiana Hoosier State Forest.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on Monday, August 10, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s Champaign Chapel, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820. A funeral service will be held immediately following visitation at 12:00 pm. John will then be laid to rest at Danville National Cemetery with military honors conducted by American Legion Post 210.

Please join John’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.