Joseph O. Thomas Sr., beloved husband of Frances Thomas; loving father of Joseph (Lori) Thomas Jr. and Francine (Larry) Ahern; devoted grandpa of Michael and Dana. Retired after many years of teaching and coaching from Leyden High School District 212. Former Village Clerk and Trustee of Franklin Park. Current Trustee of Leyden Township. Mr. Thomas served with the 8th Air Force from August 8, 1942 through November 19, 1945 as a bombardier for the 96th Combat Wing, 458th Combat Group. He flew 27 bombing missions over Germany and Occupied France. Mr. Thomas was awarded at Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, the European Theatre Operations Ribbon with four Battle Stars, the French Croix Deguerre and Four Lead Crew commendations. Mr. Thomas has been a proud member of the Franklin Park American Legion Post #974. Visitation Sunday, 3 to 9 p.m. Funeral Service Monday, 11 a.m. at Sax-Tiedemann Funeral Home & Crematorium, 9568 W. Belmont Ave., Franklin Park. Interment Irving Park Cemetery. 847-678-1950 or www.sax-tiedemann.com CIFD
