Gayle Robert Thomas

 
NOKOMIS, Fla. - Gayle Robert Thompson, 86, died Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, in Nokomis, Fla.

He was born Dec. 12, 1938, in St. Joseph, to Robert and Almedah White Thompson. A 1957 graduate of Unity High School, Gayle graduated in 1961 from the United States Naval Academy, where he became a naval aviator and military test pilot. He was a member of the eight-man rowing team that won the Olympic Trials competition to represent the United States at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, Italy, where the team finished fifth. In 1991, Gayle was honored as one of the first names included in the Champaign Park District's Olympic Tribute at Dodds Park. In 2022, he was inducted into the Unity High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his son, Jeff of White Lake Township, Mich.; grandson, Garrison of Westland, Mich.; granddaughter, Caitlyn of White Lake, Mich.; sister, Jan Renn of Goreville; and sister, Judy Wirth of Naples, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan; son, Greg; and sister, Barbara Watson.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/gayle-thompson-obituary?id=59370969

A celebration of life is planned for a later date, following his interment in Sarasota National Cemetery in Florida.

Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Thomas

 
Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Thomas, 95 of Philo, passed away at 9:24 AM, Saturday, September 6, 2025 at home.

Funeral services will be 11:00AM, Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Countryside United Methodist Church, Urbana with Rev. Jeff Stahl officiating.  Burial will be at Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7PM Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney.

Mrs. Thomas was born July 25, 1930 in Arcola, a daughter to Perry Harrison and Nellie Reed Gardener.  She married Harold H Thomas Sr. on September 14, 1946, married a week shy of 79 years, he survives.

Also surviving are five children; Sharon (Larry) Campbell of Genesco, Harold (Veronica) Thomas Jr. of St. Joseph, Peggy (Wayne) Clem of Philo, John (Ruth) Thomas of Philo, and Joseph (Audra) Thomas of Champaign, 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Since moving to Philo in 1955, Betty was very active in Junior and Senior Women’s Club, Home Extension and American Legion Auxiliary.  She also was a Den Mother for Cub Scouts and taught Sunday School for many years.

She served on the Champaign District United Methodist Women’s board for 12 years, including 4 years as District President.  She served on the board of the Cunningham Children’s Home and the Central Conference Board.  She also served as President of the Untied Methodist Women at the Countryside United Methodist Church.

Freese FH 9/8/2025 https://www.freesefh.com/notices/ElizabethBetty-Thomas