Brad Robert “Thumper” Thomas

Brad Robert "Thumper" Thomas, 61, of Marion, IL, passed away on January 22, 2022, at Herrin Hospital.

Brad was born July 6, 1960, in Marion, the son of Charles "Ted" Thomas and Jackie (Tunze) Toler. Brad was a Marion High School graduate and later went on to become a correctional officer for the United States Penitentiary in Marion, where he was employed for over 21 years. He was also a real estate appraiser for Thomas Appraisals.

Brad married Debbie Campbell on July 20, 2000, and together they have shared 21 years of marriage.

Brad loved his family above all things. He was a huge sports fan, and followed his favorite teams, the St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis Blues. He loved watching his grandchildren play little league and rarely, if ever, missed a game. He was known for his great story telling and his humor. He could spin up a good story on command and really enjoyed seeing the magic of those stories in his grandkid's eyes. He was an active member of Zion United Church of Christ and was the past president of the church. He volunteered his time with many of their programs and could even be found in the kitchen on Chicken and Dumpling Day helping anyway he was needed. He was an animal lover, especially his pride and joy Schnauzer, Lucy.

Brad is survived by his wife, Debbie Thomas; his mother, Jackie Toler (and the late, Charles Toler); his father, Charles (wife, Mary) Thomas; his brother, Brian (wife, Jerry) Thomas; his children, Justin (wife, Ashley) Hunter, Erica (husband, Keenan) Hess, Jessica (husband, Derrick) Holmes, Sydney (fiancé, Derek Wall) Thomas; his grandchildren, Mae Holmes, Cole Hess, Bre Holmes, Peyton Wall, Layton Thomas, Gage Holmes, Kendall Wall, Korbyn Hess, Jude Hess; his cousin, Bruce Tunze; along with several brothers and sisters- in- law; nieces and nephews, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Alvin Tunze, Elsie (husband, Louis) Kolmer, and Harold (Bonnie) Thomas; his aunt, Norma Lee Thomas, and his uncle, Robert Lee Tunze.

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Brad on Friday, January 28, 2022, from 4:30-7:30 PM at Binkley-Ross Funeral Home located at 1702 W. Boulevard Street, Marion, IL. Service arrangements were entrusted to Binkley-Ross Funeral Home under the direction of Joni Binkley-Ross and Monte Blue.

In Lieu of customary remembrances the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to any animal rescue organization of the donor's choice or St. Jude Children's Hospital. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Visit the website www.binkleyross.com to leave condolences.

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Brad on Friday, January 28, 2022, from 4:30-7:30 PM at Binkley-Ross Funeral Home located at 1702 W. Boulevard Street, Marion, IL. Service arrangements were entrusted to Binkley-Ross Funeral Home under the direction of Joni Binkley-Ross and Monte Blue.

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