URBANA, IL- Kenneth Keith Thomas, 97, of Urbana, went to be with the Lord and join his wife, son and grandson at 11:35 PM, Wednesday, September 8, 2010.

Graveside services will be held 11:30 A.M., Monday, September 13, 2010 at Eastlawn Cemetery, Urbana, IL. A viewing for family and friends will be held from 10:30 to 11:15 A.M., Monday, September 13th at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana, IL.

Mr. Thomas was born February 14, 1913 in Urbana, a son of Charles and Lucy Hamel Thomas. He married Mildred Youngblood on February 10, 1935 in Shelbyville, IL. She preceded him in death on September 15, 1999. Survivors include a son, Martin Thomas of Lawrence, Kansas; a daughter-in-law, Judy Thomas of Arcola, IL.; 8 grandchildren, Mike(Jennifer) Thomas and Mark(Shelley) Thomas, both of Arcola, Mitch(Barb) Thomas of Urbana, Matthew(Kari) Thomas of Champaign, Kent Thomas of Cammas, Washington, Melissa(Scott) Oelkers of Sedalia, Colorado, Lara Francisco and Carrie(Ken) Farrar, both of Lawrence, Kansas. 26 great grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren, 3 step-great great grandchildren and a sister, M. Margaret Thomas of Champaign also survive.

He was preceded in death by his wife, one son, Steve, one grandchild, Marty, 3 brothers, Chuck, Bob and Harold, and two sisters, Gladys and Dorthea.

Mr. Thomas graduated from Urbana High School, where he was an all-state football player. He went on to play football for Coach Bob Zuppke at the University of Illinois. He worked as a janitor for Leal School in Urbana, and also as an independent bulk milk carrier for Urbana Pure and Meadow Gold. Later in life, he worked for Conner and Co. until retirement and he was a member of the Carpenter's Union.

He was a die-hard Cubs, Bears, and Arcola Purple Riders fan and he loved fishing in Canada and sitting on the porch. During his battle with cancer, Kenneth never lost his sense of humor or his zest for life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Leal School Rain Garden or the Marty Thomas Scholarship Fund. Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.