Ward K. Thomas, 87 of Rochester, formerly of Edinburg, passed away at 10:05a.m. on Thursday, September 5, 2019 in the Illinois Veterans Home at Quincy.  He was born on May 28, 1932 in Danville, the son of Leo Delton and Grace (Ward) Thomas.  He married Sue Beaty on December 7, 1958 in Edinburg.

He was an Army Veteran, having served during the Korean War.  Ward was a long-time coal miner and retired from Peabody Mine #10.  He was a member of the South Fork Church of Christ.  He enjoyed working in the yard and was known as the family handyman, able to build anything from a shelf to his own home.  Ward and his family enjoyed the many summers they spent at the lake with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife: Sue Thomas of Rochester; children: Delton Thomas of Warrensburg, Bart Thomas of Flora, Jo Ellen Davis (Kenneth) of Edinburg, Matthew Thomas (Barbara) of Monticello, and Jill Morman (Kent) of Edinburg; grandchildren: Beau Thomas, Wade Thomas, Rylie Davis, Wyatt Morman, and Delaney Morman; great grandchildren: Jace Sparks, Baylor Thomas, and Ryder Thomas; sister: Mary Ann Osborne (Frank) of Morton; and brother: Don Thomas (Gladys) of Marengo.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings: Frances Thomas and Bill Thomas.
Mr. Thomas will be cremated and a private family inurnment will be held in the Edinburg Cemetery with Rev. Dave Johnson officiating.

Memorials may be made to the South Fork Church of Christ or the donor’s choice.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.  Memories of Ward, or condolences to his family, may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.