Vernon L. Thomas

Vernon L. “Vern” Thomas, 77, a resident of Davenport, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. 

Funeral services to celebrate Vern’s life will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport. Visitation will be held Thursday from 10 until 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Private family burial will take place in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Vernon Lee Thomas was born on February 10, 1947 in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, a son of Clayton and Martha (Vernon) Thomas. He graduated from Washington High School in Two Rivers in 1965. In August of 1965 Vern joined the Air Force and entered the Air Traffic Controller Program. He was stationed primarily in Korea and Germany. Following his discharge in 1971, he entered aviation school in Omaha, Nebraska and earned his pilot’s license.

Vern was a pilot for United Airlines from where he retired in 2003. Vern also owned and operated the Oceanside Lounge for many years before selling it in 2016.

Vern was united in marriage to Therese K. (Tubbs) vonMaur on August 5, 2000. They loved to travel and visited many exotic places over their 24 years of marriage.

Vern had been a member of the Davenport Optimist Club as well as the Knights of Columbus. He was an avid golfer and member of the Heritage Bay Golf and Country Club in Naples, Florida. Vern also enjoyed boating, restoring antique cars, and scuba diving. He attended the Indianapolis 500 with his “Indy friends” for over 25 years. His real passion was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Those left to honor Vern’s memory are his wife, Therese, Davenport; children and their spouses: Tracy (Crystal) Thomas, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Scott (Amber) Thomas, Two Rivers, Wisconsin, Amy (P.J.) Connor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jon Thomas, Denver, Colorado, and Dr. Therese (Dr. Scott) Trenhaile, Belvidere, Illinois; and nine grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, James Thomas. May they rest in peace.