Alexander Thoms, Sr.'s Obituary
Alex Thoms, Sr., age 82, of Coulterville, IL, died Monday morning August 7, 2006 from complications of heart failure at 11:35 a.m. in Carbondale Memorial Hospital, Carbondale, IL. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. Alex was born on August 12, 1923 in Coulterville, IL to Frank and Ella (Carns) Thoms who preceded him in death. Alex maintained his residence in Coulterville for the remainder of his full and rewarding life. Alex married Juanita Faye Jones on November 15, 1942. They had a wonderful marriage for over 63 years. She survives. Alex and Faye had one child, a son, Alex Thoms, Jr., born May 16, 1944. He survives with his wife Vicki and step-daughter Vanessa. Alex had two loving grandsons, William S. Thoms, and Alex Christopher Thoms and his wife Jami. He had one great-grandson, Logan Alexander. Alex's child and grandchildren live in Coulterville. He also has one brother-in-law, William Jones, of Salem, Illinois who survives. Alex will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Andy Thoms, two nephews, and one niece. Alex enlisted in the Army on March 5, 1943. He did his basic training at Camp Roberts, California. After basic training he was shipped out of New York Harbor, for his duties for World War II. He landed in Scotland to prepare for the liberation of France. He was part of one of the most historical events in World history, D-Day. Alex was part of the 1st infantry division, Big Red One, which was one of the first divisions to storm the Beaches of Normandy. This beach was Omaha Red Beach, which was the turning point of World War II. He received many medals and the Bronze Star. Alex was honorably discharged in 1945, after proudly serving his country with honor. After his return from the war, Alex started a long career in the coal mines. He worked in many mines over his 45 plus years in the industry. He started in the mines as a tracklayer then progressed to being one of the finest electricians in his industry. Alex was a hard worker and a skilled laborer. He retired earlier than he wanted in 1986. Alex was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Sparta. He was a member for over 35 years of this historic order. Alex loved his family with passion and extreme care. He will be deeply missed. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 10, 2006 at 1:30 p.m. in the Pyatt-Harrawood Funeral Home, Coulterville, with Reverend Wilbur Franklin officiating. Interment will be in the Coulterville City Cemetery. Friends may call at the Pyatt-Harrawood Funeral Home, Coulterville, on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 from 6:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 12:30 p.m. till time of services. A Masonic service will be conducted at the funeral home on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the National Kidney Foundation.
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