William R. Thomas, 84, of Belvidere, Illinois died Friday afternoon, December 12, 2008 in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center after a lingering illness. He was born July 16, 1924 in Belvidere, IL the son of Harold and Annetta (Shaw) Thomas. Bill was a veteran of World War II and a life member of the VFW John Hugo Kaiser Post 1461, and American Legion Boone Post 77. He was also a member of the Belvidere Moose Lodge 295 and a Minnesota Vikings fan. He enjoyed meeting with his friends at the Steam Plant and Uncle John's and playing gin rummy.He survived by his daughter Kristine (Daniel) Wahner of Sparta, Wisconsin; nephews Steve (Tina) Thomas and their children, Blake, Austin and Lyndsay, and Bill Thomas; sister in-law, Ann Thomas; and friend Lorraine Hoelzel.Bill is predeceased by his parents, Harold and Annetta and wife, Leila; brother, Richard and niece, Linda.

A memorial will be established.