Larry "Joe" Thomas

November 4, 1945 - October 21, 2016

Mattoon, IL – Larry “Joe” Thomas, age 70, of Mattoon, IL, passed away at 11:55 p.m., Friday, October 21, 2016, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. The funeral service in his honor will begin at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 27, 2016 at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938, with Reverend Dr. John Calio officiating. Burial will take place at Dodge Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., at the funeral home. Born November 4, 1945, in Lerna, IL, Joe was the son of Vernon and Florence (Hightshoe) Thomas. He is survived by three children: Angela (Jim) Wood of Payson, IL, Joey (Heidi) Thomas of Cooks Mills, IL, and Nick (Mandy) Thomas of Mattoon, IL; two brothers, Bob (Barbara) Thomas of Charleston, IL, and Jim Thomas, also of Charleston, IL; one sister, Linda (Fred) Tapscott of Decatur, IL; eight grandchildren: Andrew and Megan Thomas of Mattoon, IL, Halli (Patrick) Tumilty of Oswego, IL, Joshua Wood of Lincoln Park, IL, and Benjamin Wood of St. Louis, MO, Joey (Christina) Thomas of Guam, Allec Thomas of Parkersburg, WV, Brianna Trainor of Cooks Mills, IL; and three great-grandchildren: Ryan, Caroline, and Cameron Tumilty; a sister in law, Connie Thomas of Florida; and a brother-in-law, Alan Hall of Florida. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Vernon “Bud” Thomas; and one sister, Donna Hall. Joe was owner and operator of Joe’s Welding on North 33rd St. in Mattoon, IL. He was also formerly employed by Blaw-Knox, Associated Springs, Trailmobile, Clinton Power Plant and had been a professional truck driver. He was a member of the Mattoon Moose and Eagles. In addition to Joe’s personal accomplishments and achievements, he enjoyed working on and repairing all things mechanical, gardening, and especially spending time with his family. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles and was an avid fan of NASCAR Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in his honor or share a memory with his family.