William F. "Bill" Thomas, 83, of Collinsville, Ill., born March 31, 1930, in Collinsville, Ill., died Friday, Sept. 20, 2013, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Mo.

Bill was the owner of Thomas Bros. Towing and Automotive in Collinsville, Ill. He was a Collinsville Volunteer Fire Fighter for 26 years and a member of the Civil Air Patrol. Bill was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army and a member of St. John United Church of Christ.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert Frank and Vera, nee Bozzardi, Thomas; and brother, Hubert J. "Posey" Thomas.

Surviving are his loving wife of 64 years, Wanda Lee, nee Agles, Thomas whom he married on July 30, 1949; children, Stephen William (Mary) Thomas of Collinsville, Ill., Sandra Gail (Frank) DiStefano of Brighton, Ill., Susan Gail (Rick) Reiss of Ballwin, Mo., and Stacey Lee Williams of Collinsville, Ill.; seven grandchildren, T.J., Shannon, Nick, Amy, J.J., Lauren and Amanda; seven great-grandchildren; and many close friends.

Memorials may be made to St. John United Church of Christ Heating and A/C Fund. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.herrfuneral.com

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23, 2013, at Herr Funeral Home, Collinsville, Ill.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013, at the funeral home with Pastor Katie Jo Bielke officiating. Burial will be at St. John Cemetery, Collinsville, Ill.