Thomas E Adams

Mr. Thomas E. Adams, age 99 of Jonesboro and formerly of Anna, died at 7:45 pm, Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at his home in Jonesboro. He was born on July 15, 1915 in Wolf Lake, the son of Thomas Jefferson and Grace Ellen (Brown) Adams. Thomas married Mabel C. Rion on September 23, 1949 in Piggott, Arkansas.Thomas is survived by his wife, Mabel C. Adams of Jonesboro; two daughters, Tammy Adams of Jonesboro and Merrilee Young of Anna; one son, Kenny (Frances) Baker of Oak Ridge, MO; five grandchildren, Cathy Young, Susan Young-Ederle, Martina Young-Montney, Lori Petot and Krista Baker-Carey; ten great-grandchildren; two sisters, Dortha Balance of Anna and Ethel (Rev. John) Marlow of Bradenton, FL, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas J. Adams; his mother, Grace E. Choate; his step-father, James Choate; one great-grandson, Alex Ederle; six sisters, Florence Craft, Ruth Irvin, Creta Yates, Gladis Lawrence, Iverne Fuller and Mary Angelo; three brothers, Clyde L. Choate, Melvin Choate and Orean Choate.Thomas proudly served his country in the United States Army Air Force during WWII as a Staff Sergeant. He received the Victory Ribbon, the American Theatre Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Theater with one Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal, the District Unit Badge and one Overseas Bar. He was a radio operator and flew in Burma and was a member of the Hump Pilot Association. Thomas was an avid golfer and bowler and loved animals. For sixteen years, he owned and operated the Southern BBQ during its early years. Thomas worked for the State of Illinois helping with the construction of part of the Anna State Hospital. He worked at the Ware weight station and later for the Secretary of State. Funeral services for Mr. Thomas E. Adams will be at 1:00 pm, Wednesday April 8, 2015 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna with the Rev. Joe Aldridge officiating. Interment will be in the Anna City Cemetery with Military Funeral Honor Rites conducted at the graveside by the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455 of the V.F.W. of Anna and the Illinois Army National Guard Funeral Honors Team of Marion. Friends maycall from 5 until 8:00 pm, Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. Memorial contributions may be made to the K-9's For Warriors. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Visitation Service Tuesday, April 7, 2015,5:00PM-8:00PM Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Homes 301 West Spring Street Anna, Illinois 62906 Memorial/Funeral Service Wednesday, April 8, 2015,1:00PM Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Homes 301 West Spring Street Anna, Illinois 62906 Cemetery Service Wednesday, April 8, 2015,2:00PM Anna City Cemetery Davie Street Anna, Illinois 62906