Rollie E. Thomas, Sr.
Rollie E. Thomas, Sr. age 88, of Quincy died on Thursday, July 2, 2020 at 9:10 p.m. in his home. Rollie was born in St. Louis, MO on November 1, 1931, a son of Rollie H. and Frances (Burns) Thomas. He married Dolores “Dee” E. Greving on February 5, 1955. The couple celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary earlier this year.
Rollie went to work at Gardner-Denver right out of college, and he worked there for 30 years. For the rest of his working career, he was a Financial Services Representative for Met Life. He graduated from St. Mary High School in St. Louis, MO where he played basketball and baseball. He was a graduate of Quincy College. Rollie played baseball throughout his four years in college, which culminated in his signing a contract to play for the N.Y. Giants organization on a minor league team based in St. Cloud, MN.
Rollie was then called to enlist in the U.S. Army. He served stateside in special services and was fortunate to have played both of his favorite sports and coaching while he was in the service.
He and his family were longtime members of St. Dominic Catholic Church where Rollie was in the Men’s Society; he is a current member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. He was a member of the Mart Heinen Club. For years, Rollie participated in numerous sporting-related functions, and he was a huge fan and supporter of his children’s activities—especially soccer. He was a wonderful storyteller and loved his trips to Lake Ada in Northern Minnesota.
In addition to his wife Dee, survivors include his seven children: Terri (Phil) Schonhoff of Ellettsville, IN; Rollie (Connie) Thomas of Quincy; Vicki (J.R.) Decker of North Ft. Myers, FL: Jim (Kris) Thomas of Fowler, IL: Tim (Jane) Thomas of New Berlin, IL: Mark (Christe) Thomas of Quincy; and Lori (Pete) Khazen of St. Louis, MO;
Grandchildren, Matt and his wife Katie; Stephanie and her husband Drew; Michael and his wife Kelly; Ashley and her husband Gerald; Kristen and her fiancé Jamie; Carolyn and her husband Chad; Stephanie; Ally and her fiancé Zach; Jake; Jennifer and her husband Garrison; Nick and his wife Sarah; Jessie and her husband Adam; Eric and his wife Kayla; Erin and her husband Dustin; Hannah; Dillon and his wife Melissa; Devin, Drew, Logan, Alena, Sierra; Kellen, Emary, Gabriel, Christian, Tate and Quinn.
17 Great-grandchildren; one sister, Marcella Humphrey of Quincy; A sister-in-law, Joyce Sheets of Jacksonville, IL; Nieces and nephews survive, including his niece and goddaughter, Liz Thomas of Manchester, MA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Antonia Marie in infancy and a brother, Lee Thomas. Rollie’s family extends their sincere gratitude to Blessing Hospice for their care and compassion.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at 9:15 a.m. in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military honors conducted by American Legion Post #37 and the Illinois National Guard Honors Detail. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Memorials are suggested to the Quincy University Soccer Program, Quincy Notre Dame, or the Donor’s Choice. Service arrangements are with the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. www.dukerandhaugh.com
Great man and great supporter of athletics for so many years! Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Thomas family, I’m very sorry for your loss. Lots of great memories playing sports with Mark and remembering Rollie as a very good man. Blessings to you all.
Jim (Whitey) & family,
We are deeply saddened by the news of your father’s passing. May fond memories of your father bring you comfort during this difficult time in your life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God bless!
My sympathy Tim & Jane as well as the rest of the family.
My condolences to to all of Rollie’s and friends. He was a wonderful guy in the true sense of the word and always provided a smile and a kind word. Go with God my friend.
Jim, Kris & entire family our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. RIP
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Thomas family at this difficult time.
Dee and family: we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you. Have many good memories at soccer games.
Having had the honor of working with young Rollie, I can only imagine what a great guy his Dad was. Very sorry for your loss but take solace in the knowledge in the thousands of people whose lives he touched and all came away better for having known him!
To Thomas Family, my deepest sympathy on Rollie’s passing. I’ll always remember his kind ways and ready smile. He had a strong faith and touched many people who came to know him.
Sending lots of hugs and prayers. Cherish your wonderful memories.
So many memories over the years. Praying for all of you and your families, and Celebrating a long life well lived. May God grant him peace and welcome him Home.
Our Sincere Condolences to the entire Thomas Family.
We’re sending love and prayers to the whole Thomas family. I will always remember him sitting quietly in his chair while my girls and their cousins played noisily around him! What a role model for us all.
Sending condolences to the Thomas family.. I went to grade school and high school with Terri
Our sympathies to the Thomas family. Prayers for all during this difficult time.
To the whole Thomas family, my deepest condolences to all of you. I remember being little and thinking of Uncle Rollie as such a fun and cool guy. With the pool and ice skating. Loved the great times and memories. Prayers for all of you. Love ya.