William K. Thomas

William K. Thomas, known to family and friends as Bill or “Tuna,” passed away on March 9, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on January 7, 1945, in Coupeville, Washington, he spent his life embodying the quiet strength and kindness rooted in his early years. He lived in Robinson, Illinois, where he was surrounded by the love of his family at the time of his death.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Leslee (Carr) Thomas; his son, William K. “Kent” (Amber) Thomas of Robinson; and his beloved grandchildren, Lincoln and Eleanor Thomas, Fletcher Tyre, and Rowan Tyre, all of Robinson. He was the dutiful son of Bill and Helen (Cholod) Thomas, a supportive brother to Robert Thomas, and a cherished brother-in-law to Rod (Dorinda) Carr of Decatur, Illinois, Becky Thomas of Woodlands, Texas, and Kelly (Shawn) March of Indianapolis, Indiana, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A 1963 graduate of Lyons High School in LaGrange, Illinois, Bill earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from DePauw University in 1967, an MBA from Northern Illinois University in 1969, and a Juris Doctor from Indiana University School of Law in 1972. He practiced law for 52 years in his own office, serving the Robinson community with dedication and integrity. A man of deep Christian faith, he was a lifelong fan of the Indiana Hoosiers and the Chicago Cubs. He gave generously of his time and expertise as a member and past president of the Lincoln Trail College Foundation, a board member of the Carraway Foundation, a longtime board member and attorney for the First Robinson Savings Bank, and a board member and attorney for the Crawford County Airport Authority.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Julie K. Thomas, in 2023; his brother, Richard “Butch” Thomas, in 2024; and his sister-in-law, Kristy Carr, in 2025. Bill will be remembered as a selfless, gentle, and friendly man whose life reflected loyalty, honor, and a deep love for those around him.