Maurice Allen Thomas

Cuba- Maurice Allen Thomas was born March 23, 1935, the son of Edgar Herman and Sarah Birdena (Farris) Thomas in rural Canton.  After several years’ battle with cancer he died peacefully at home in Cuba, Illinois, on May 16, 2017.

On July 1, 1956, he married Anita Atteberry at the Shields Chapel Parsonage in Canton.  He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 61 years and six children:  James (Teresa) Thomas of Fiatt; Jesse (Cindy) Thomas of Wichita, TX; David, at home; Mark (Stacy) Thomas of Carthage; Margaret (Trent) Bradley of Fiatt; and Nancy (Jim) Morris of Forest City.  Also surviving are several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Maurice worked all this life.  As a boy he lived summers with his sister on the farm and helped neighboring farmers put up hay by riding the horse to pull the hay into the mow.  He quit school at age 15 to help support his ill step-father, mother and little sister.  Later in life he went back to school and earned his GED.  He worked at Kresge’s, first as a dishwasher and then as a merchandise clerk.  At age 20 he was hired at Caterpillar Tractor Company in East Peoria where he worked for 30 years.  After he retired he spent his golden years working as a custodian for the Cuba School District which consisted of the Red Brick School in Smithfield, Cuba Elementary School, and Cuba High School.  He worked there full or part-time for 3 years, last working in the spring of 2016.  He enjoyed being with the youth and children.  Sometimes the small children gave him hugs.  He loved it.  During this time he was also very involved in community affairs.  He served as a Cuba Alderman for 20 years and as a Cuba volunteer fireman for 34 years.  He also served in the Lions Club for many years.  He served many years on the Cuba Rescue Squad and was a Cuba City policeman.  He loved to help others and will be missed in the community and by his church family.  He was loved and respected by all who knew him as a hard-working, honest man.  He received two honors:  He was marshal for the Cuba High School Homecoming Parade and one cold winter night he was marshal for the annual Lions Christmas Parade.

Maurice and his family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1967 where he served faithfully in many responsible positions.  “The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave.  Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.”  We believe death is a temporary separation and we can be a family together FOREVER in the hereafter.

Henry-Lange Memorial Home of Cuba is handling arrangements.  Visitation will be at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1313 Sunview Drive, Canton, on Thursday, May 18, 2017, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Funeral Services will be at the church on Friday, May 19, 2017, at 10:00 a.m.  Burial will be in White Chapel Cemetery.  President Ron Deppermann will be officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cuba Volunteer Fire Department or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Condolences may be sent to PO Box 317, Cuba, IL, 61427, or made online at henrylange.com.