David E. Thomas, 80, of Silvis, Ill. died Friday, July 7, 2023 at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf, Iowa.  Cremation rites were accorded.  A memorial service will be 1:30 pm Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Van Hoe Funeral Home, 1500 6th Street, East Moline.  Visitation will be from 12 – 1:30 pm Saturday, July 15 at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.  Inurnment will be private at a later date.

David was born on February 18, 1943 in Rock Falls, Illinois, the son of Ellis and Thelma Williams Thomas.  He graduated from Rock Falls High School.

David married his high school sweetheart, Julia Evans on June 23, 1961 in Rock Falls, Illinois.  He then joined the U.S. Army where he served in Thailand.

David worked for John Deere Foundry for 30 years and retired in 1992.  Upon retirement, David worked for Cliff Warkins Farms in Erie, Illinois.

David was a member of the East Moline American Legion Post 227 and the Moose Club in Sterling, Ill.  He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed baseball, fishing, boating and motorcycle riding.  He also enjoyed playing cards.  David loved spending time with his family, especially all of his grand and great-grandchildren.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 62 years, Julia Thomas, Silvis; children, Susan (Scott) Phares, LeClaire, Iowa, Diane Van Houten, East Moline and Bruce (Donna) Thomas, Springfield, Ill; grandchildren, David Thomas, Zachary (Taylor) Ahrens, Tessa Van Houten and Julia Van Houten; 6 step-grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Cathy Knutsen, Joan Laing and Bob Pitts.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father, Charles Long and sisters, Jeanne Behrens and Myrna St. Ores.

Online condolences at vanhoe.com