Ronald Ira Thomas

Catlin - Ronald Ira 'Hoedown' Thomas, 86, of Catlin, IL, formerly of Onarga and Florida, passed from this earth on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. He was born on March 18, 1937 in Kilbourne, IL to Walter A. and Sylvia M. {Hughes} Thomas, who preceded him in death.

Ron was a Navy Veteran, having served on the USS Hornet. Ron and his brother, Duane, started their own insulation company, General Insulation. He later went to work for Heat & Frost Insulators Local17 in Chicago. He retired from there around 1992 and moved to Florida.

.Ron met his first wife, Ferne Dolan, while in the Navy. This union was blessed with three children, Pam (George) Dubach (Dave Hansen) of Bloomington, Mike Thomas of Kankakee, and Bill (Gwen) Thomas of Onarga, all who survive him.

Ron later married Joan (Price) Jordan in Florida, who survives.

He is also survived by step-daughters Cindy (Ed) Warns of Catlin, Peggy (Jim) Gaddis of Kirbyville, TX and Jodi Johnson of Forsyth, GA, as well as 5 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren, 15 step-great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, his best friend 'Johnboy' Strickland in FL, and his beloved dog Scooter.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Duane and Larry Thomas, Carolyn Craggs and Marilyn Price.

Ron was a Past Commander of Onarga VFW Post 1903, Watseka VFW Post 7450 and a member of Sons of Confederate Veterans in FL. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Fighting Illini. He enjoyed riding horses and his motorcycle.

A celebration of life will be held at the Onarga Christian Church, 721 W. Seminary Avenue, in Onarga, IL on Saturday, August 26, 2023. Family will greet friends at 11 am and a short service will begin at 12 noon. Burial will be held at a later date at Danville National Cemetery.

Cremation rights have been accorded by Sunset Funeral Home in Danville, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834.

Services Visitation Saturday August 26, 2023 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Onarga Christian Church 721 W. Seminary Avenue Onarga, IL 60955 Celebration of Life Saturday August 26, 2023 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Onarga Christian Church 721 W. Seminary Avenue Onarga, IL 60955