Johnie Lee Thomason

Johnie Lee Thomason, 86, of Mt. Vernon, IL passed away on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL.

Johnie was born August 18, 1936 in Wayne County, IL the son of Norris & Bessie Thomason.  On July 1, 1962 he married Wilma Lee (Solomon) Thomason, who survives.

Johnie retired from General Mills, where he had worked as a forklift operator.  He was a U.S. Navy Veteran and a U.S. Army Veteran.  He was a former member of the Fairfield, IL Volunteer Fire Department, and he attended West Salem Trinity Methodist Church in Mt. Vernon, IL.  He enjoyed fishing, playing pinochle, going to flea markets, attending church, and he was a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan.  What he loved most was attending his kids’ and grandkids’ sporting events and activities.  He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Johnie is survived by his wife Wilma Lee Thomason of Mt. Vernon, IL; 3 daughters: Vicky Handley of Sandwich, IL; Sherry Hayes of Mt. Vernon, IL and Angie (Brian) Dishon of Fairview, TN; 2 sons: Dan Manring (and Claudia Talley)  of Fairfield Glade, TN and Jerry Herron (and Erika Lorenzini) of Plano, IL; 7 grandchildren: Andrea Chambers-Benedict, Jackson Dishon, Heather Brueckner, Jameson Herron, Finnegan Herron, Madison Cesario, and Vinny Cesario; 6 great-grandchildren: Devon Chambers, Robert Chambers, Emma Benedict, Millie Benedict, Alex Brueckner, Emily Brueckner, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by both parents Norris & Bessie Thomason and 8 siblings.

Funeral services for Johnie Lee Thomason were held at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at Young Funeral Home in Wayne City, IL with Rev. Harold Quick officiating.  Visitation was held on Tuesday from 1:00 pm until the time of service at 3:00 pm at the funeral home.

A graveside interment service with military honors will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 12:00 noon at Thomason Cemetery in Wayne City, IL with Bro. Donnie Rector officiating.  The U.S. Navy Honors Team and the American Legion Post #106 Honors Team of McLeansboro, IL will provide military honors.  Those attending are asked to meet directly at the cemetery.

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