Henry D. Thomas

Henry D. "Hank" Thomas, 79, of Rock Island, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 with his family by his side. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, August 7, 2020 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Avenue, Rock Island. The funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, August 8, 2020 at Berean Baptist Church, 3103 W. 13th Street, Davenport and via video streaming at www.bereanbaptistdavenport.com. Private burial with military honors will be in Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island on Monday, August 10, 2020.

Henry was born January 19, 1941 in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Henry H. and Clara (Hancq) Thomas. He graduated from Rock Island High School in 1959 and served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany. He married Roberta Belton on June 12, 1965 in Geneseo. She preceded him in death on March 8, 2002. Henry worked for Ralston Purina and retired in 2006 as a forklift operator after more than 38 years. As a young man Henry participated in many high school sports including track and field, basketball, football, and wrestling. He was involved in the Letterman’s Club, Intramurals and Junior Optimist. He enjoyed attending high school and college sporting events with friends, watching all sports and game shows on television, participating in bowling, and playing softball. Henry loved Rock Island High School. As an avid fan he donated much of his time to Rock Island sports programs, particularly track and field. He was a proud member of Berean Baptist Church and was baptized there in 2011.

Survivors include his children, Steven R. Thomas, Seaside, CA, Amanda N. Thomas, Rock Island, and Lisa Decker, Benkelman, NE; grandchildren, Jenelle L. Thomas, Steven R. Thomas II, Sarah Decker, Isabella Decker, and Matthew Decker; 4 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Richard Thomas, Marilyn DeKoster, Jerry (Nancy) Thomas, Clare (Jim) Taylor, Thomas (Lisa) Thomas, Margaret-Ann (George) Niquette, Elizabeth (John) McGonigle, and Kent (Nancy) Thomas. Henry was preceded in death by his wife, Roberta, parents, and brother, N. Charles Thomas.

The Thomas family wishes to extend our deepest appreciation to Sue Morris as Henry’s special friend and companion and for her many acts of kindness during his difficult battle.

Memorials may be made to the Kidney Cancer Research Alliance (KCCure) or the Fisher House Foundation, which assists families of wounded veterans.

In accordance with public gathering restrictions, attendees need to wear a face mask and observe social distancing. Funeral home staff will allow 50 people in the funeral home at a time during the visitation.

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