Neil H Thomas

Neil H. Thomas, 82, of Orion, IL, died Wednesday, October 26, 2011, at Genesis Medical Center/Illini Campus in Silvis, IL. Visitation will be Saturday, October 29th, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., at Wendt Funeral Home in Moline, IL. Services will be Sunday, October 30th, at 10:30 a.m., at the funeral home. Per his wishes, the body will be cremated, and inurnment will be at a later date. Memorials may be made to Arrowhead Ranch, Coal Valley, IL, or to the American Cancer Society. Neil H. Thomas was born in Sharon, PA, on September 4, 1929, to William J. and Dorothy (Hood) Thomas. On May 24, 1958, in Chicago, IL, he married Ann A. Sramek, who survives. He attended Cornell University, and graduated from Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA. After graduation, he was employed by Ryerson Steel Company, Chicago, as a line salesman and machinery salesman. Moving from Aurora, IL, to Rock Island, IL, in 1969, he established Bi-State Steel Company in East Moline in 1975. He was owner and operator of Bi-State Steel for 36 years, until October 24, 2011. He attended Mary Our Lady of Peace Church in Orion, and was a member of the Orion School Board for several years. He was active in the Material Handling Society, The Over-The-Hill Gang Coffee Club, and served several years on the Tri-County Regional Board of Education. He umpired softball, enjoyed watching the Bears and Cubs, and especially loved all of his childrens' and grandchildrens' sports activities. In addition to his wife, Ann, survivors include: daughter, Karla Carlson of Osco, IL; sons, Paul (Gayla) Thomas of East Moline, Gregory (Alexis) Thomas of Marrietta, SC, and David (Tina) Thomas of Milan, IL; grandchildren, Andrew (Brook) Carlson, Wade (Jessica) Carlson, Veronica Carlson, Ava Thomas, and Cooper Thomas; and great-granddaughters: Kenlee and Kallie Carlson. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Barbara Thomas, and a brother, Bruce Thomas.

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