Wade Thomas

NAME WADE EUGENE THOMASage 44, of St. Charles, died tragically, along with his wife Denise, on Saturday, May 23, 2009.BORN: He was born December 30, 1964 the son of Garold and Vivian (Benge) Thomas in Geneva, IL. EARLY YEARS:Wade grew up in St. Charles and attended local schools. After his schooling, Wade began his working life building his a reputation as a "jack of all trades". OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY He could do just about anything. In his earlier years he delivered papers over several routes, for Arthur Andersen he was a preparation cook, and he also worked at Baker’s Square. He worked in the warehouse for Swift Company, filled the local machines with goodies for Ace Vending and later while he and his family lived in Rhode Island, he worked as a supervisor and fisherman at Point Judith Co-op. Wade returned to his "delivery" roots by driving for FedEx Ground, then called RPS as well as Maximum Freight where he learned how to incorporate trucks and eventually began his own trucking business, Thomas Enterprises. He later went back to FedEx Ground and bought his own route. MARRIAGE Wade fell in love and was married early in life to Martha Shallenbarger and had one son, Tim. Although their paths soon parted, their love for one another never did, and what was love became friendship which lasted through the years. Later, Wade was lucky in love a second time when he married Veronica Cannon in 1987. They were blessed with four children, Amanda "May", Jim, Brandon, and Jordan. One more time Wade’s heart was won by another, this time to Denise Howey whom he met at Turner’s Club in Aurora, in 2005. They were united in marriage March 18, 2008 in Canterbury Chapel in Las Vegas, NV. Upon their return, they made their home in St. Charles. MEMBERSHIPS He was a proud and longtime member of the Turner’s Club in Aurora. LIFE NOTES Wherever Wade was he personified life and fun and he shared it with all he met. He could talk to anyone about anything. Wade always knew someone wherever he went and his friends came from all walks of life. He only needed a moment to touch your life and a minute to be your best friend. He was dependable and the hardest worker you’ve ever met. His days started every morning at 5:30 a.m. without an alarm clock and didn’t end until the job was done. When he wasn’t working, his best hours were served over the grill in the back yard, surrounded by his friends and family. Softball, Bags tournaments, darts, and other games found the competitive side of Wade. He needed to win and hated to lose. Christmas was his favorite holiday. He didn’t just celebrate it, he lived it and embodied the spirit with love and laughter. What started years ago with one string of lights in an apartment grew to an all out blitzkrieg of 40,000 lights blazing from the roof to the ground, inside and outdoors. Wade made his home a beacon to the neighborhood every December. Wade was a family man through and through and never missed a chance to be involved in all his children’s lives. He loved organizing family trips and being the glue that held everyone together. He gave great advice, was a good problem solver and would do anything you asked of him. He loved country music and 95.9 The River was his station of choice. His first love in life was a motorcycle, a passion which followed him through every path he took and was handed down from his father. He now leaves a legacy in each of his children, and in everyone he met. His laughter will be heard and the joy of his spirit felt for generations to come. SURVIVORS He now leaves five children:Tim Thomas of Naperville, IL,Jim Thomas of St. Charles, IL,Amanda "May" Thomas of St. Charles, IL, Brandon Thomas of St. Charles, IL and Jordan "Jay" Thomas of St. Charles, IL;His mother, Vivian Thomas of St. Charles, ILThree sisters:Laurie (John) Mabbs of Batavia, IL, Cherie (Dan) Johnson of St. Charles, IL and Shauna (LaMel) Johnson of Carpentersville, IL; A countryside of friends who will always remember. PRECEDED He now joins his loving wife Denise, and his father Garold who preceded him in death. SERVICE Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, on Sunday, May 31, 2009. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at Conley Funeral Home at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 1, 2009. Rev. Brian Coffey, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Geneva Interment will follow at River Hills Cemetery, Batavia. For those unable to attend, a live web-cast will be available five minutes prior to the start of the service at www.conleycare.com. The service will also be available on the website in an on-demand format the following day. MEMORIAL In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Wade and Denise’s name. Checks may be made to the "Wade and Denise Thomas" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family at the same address or through www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, on Sunday, May 31, 2009. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at Conley Funeral Home at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 1, 2009. Rev. Brian Coffey, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Geneva Interment will follow at River Hills Cemetery, Batavia. For those unable to attend, a live web-cast will be available five minutes prior to the start of the service at www.conleycare.com.

Interment will follow at River Hills Cemetery, Batavia