Ronald Lee Thomas (August 27, 1935 - June 04, 2019)

In loving memory of
Ronald Lee Thomas
  • August 27, 1935
  • -
  • June 04, 2019

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Obituary

Ronald Lee Thomas, 83, of Fort Myers, FL died June 4th, 2019 in Fort Myers.

Cremation rites will be accorded.

Memorials: Donor’s Choice.

Ronald was born August 27, 1935 at their family home in Spring Lake Township, IL; the son of J L and Mable Thomas. He married Judith Marie Taylor on June 29, 1957 in Forest City, IL.

Ronald worked for many years as a teacher, coach, school bus driver and driver’s education instructor. During the summers, he took on jobs from mining in Colorado to working the fields in Illinois.  He was an active member of various churches including Saybrook Christian Church in Saybrook, IL, First Christian Church in Salem, IL, and Westside Christian Church in Springfield, IL. His favorite hobby was playing cards with his sons or anyone else who would play…and being involved with his grandchildren/great grandson.

Ronald leaves behind to cherish his memory:  siblings, Sunne Bea Thomas of Oro Valley, AZ., and Rose Statham of Belleville, IL; children, John (Julie) Thomas of Fort Myers, FL, and their children Broch (Zara) Thomas and Taylor (Joshua) Stevenson and their son Malakhi (19 months); David (La Vonne) Thomas of Richmond Hill, GA, and their children Nick (11) and Cole (10); and Michael (Shelly) Thomas of Normal, IL and their children Paige (Ross) Blumhorst, Ben (15), Lauren (13), and Sean (10).

Ronald was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Judith Marie, daughter Rebecca Lynn, his brother Richard and his brother Kenny.

The Baldwin Brothers Funeral Home of Ft Myers has been entrusted with the care of Ronald.

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Tribute Wall

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  1. Vanessa (Stauffer) Leiker says:
    21 Jun 2019
    Mr. Thomas was the most patient teacher & I enjoyed having him teach me to drive & his Business class. Prayers to all his family for comfort & peace. Cherish the memories always.

  2. Joy Moore says:
    20 Jun 2019
    Remembering all of you at SCC and our camping trips together - we raised our children together andenjoyed each others company for many years - Blessings to the family - I send love and joy to you !

  3. Rebecca Koch says:
    19 Jun 2019
    My deepest sympathies to the family - Rest in peace Mr. Thomas! One day we will meet again - You never know, I may need a refresher course in Driver's Ed. by then. Ron was a very respected and enjoyable teacher. We were fortunate to have him in Saybrook Arrowsmith HS.

  4. Margaret Gibbens Stocker says:
    19 Jun 2019
    Dear Family,
    I will never forget when Ron worked for Don and Sangamon Valley Farm Supply. He enjoyed running the sprayer. May he rest in peace.

  5. Ann Jenson Young says:
    18 Jun 2019
    Sorry to hear this. I enjoyed Mr. Thomas as a business and drivers ed teacher. We also rode together to summer classes at ISU when I went back to get teacher certification and he was continuing his education—probably in 1979. Very nice man!

  6. Ann Renee Harding Frels says:
    18 Jun 2019
    My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Ron was a super teacher and a great guy. So enjoyed knowing him not only at school, but at church as well. So many good memories of him and the whole family. I know he will be greatly missed.

  7. michael Porter says:
    18 Jun 2019
    Condolences and prayers to the family. Mr. Thomas was the best teacher I had in S/A High School. A remarkable man that always had my respect.

  8. Lori Ferguson Busing says:
    18 Jun 2019
    I am so very sorry for your loss. He was a kind, patient man and teacher. All of us who went through Drivers Ed with him....I can’t imagine how he could always be so calm. I don’t remember ever hearing him get mad or impatient. RIP Mr T!
    Lori Ferguson Busing (Moore)

  9. Mary (Anderson) Bowman says:
    18 Jun 2019
    Like others who have left a message, it was Ron Thomas or Mr. Thomas to us, who taught me bookkeeping and driver's ed. He had a good sense of humor but always interested in connecting with and teaching his students. We were fortunate to have him at S-A High. My thoughts are with the family and friends.

  10. Lori Ferguson Busing (Moore) says:
    18 Jun 2019
    I am so very sorry for your loss. He was a great teacher at S-A High! I will never forget driving to Bloomington for Driver’s Ed. Forever Mr T! ??

  11. Robert Kindred says:
    18 Jun 2019
    Mr Thomas, was not only a teacher, coach , and Driver's Ed instructor , but one good guy... Had Ron all four years at S/A high in the middle 60's in some capacity ,and he was always a gentleman. RIP Coach Thomas..Bob Kindred

  12. Marilyn Moore says:
    18 Jun 2019
    So sorry for you loss , John,Dave and Michael. We had some good times with your Mom and Dad at Saybrook Christian Church.

  13. Patty Robbins says:
    18 Jun 2019
    Mr Thomas was my bookkeeping teacher and drivers ed. He had me first hour so I would sleep most of the time and he would say "Sorry we woke you"..lol and teaching me to drive was a adventurer in itself. But he had patients and was calm with me. Even thou he had to be glad to get out of the car. He was a great teacher and person. Patty Graham Robbins

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