OREGON – Ethan Robert Thomas, 35, of Oregon and formerly of Chana, a son any mom and dad would be proud of, died Friday, Aug. 16, 2019 from injuries received in a work place accident. Born Oct. 15, 1983 in Rockford, the son of Howard "Duke" and Mindy (Mearns) Thomas and was a Mayflower descendant.
Ethan was a 2002 graduate of Oregon High School, worked with his dad at Thomas Plumbing & Heating and for the past seven years employed by CIG Logistics in Rochelle. He loved his dog, Hooch, loved movies (with an extensive collection) especially Batman with the Joker, helped with the old Chana School, and always had a joke or a story. Ethan loved his nieces and nephews, and they loved him, and enjoyed cheering on his twin brothers running track. He was a die-hard Chicago Cubs and Bears fan, highlighted by the Cub's World Series win, going to the victory parade in Chicago. He once entered a 72-ounce steak eating contest in Amarillo, Texas which was broadcast live and just missed completing the challenge. Although not a church goer, he was a Christian. An all-around good guy, Ethan was always there to lend a hand to anyone that needed help and will surely be missed. He had the absolute greatest and most giving heart.
Survived by his parents, Duke and Mindy Thomas of Chana; brothers: Ryan Thomas of Oregon, Garrett Thomas of Oregon and Jordan (Tabitha) Thomas of Mt. Morris; niece, Ainsley Thomas of Mt. Morris; grandparents, Marvin and Juanita Miller of Mt. Morris; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert Mearns and Howard and Marie Thomas; uncle, Matt Mearns; uncles, Wayne Thomas, Robert Thomas and Roger Fisher; aunt Nancy Greenfield; and cousin, Matt Thomas.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 22 in Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home in Oregon with Pastor David Rogula officiating. Burial in Daysville Cemetery. Visitation 4-7 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ethan's name may be made to Tails Humane Society, DeKalb.
