William E. "Bill" Thomas

Bill Thomas, aged 79, of O’Fallon, MO, passed away on June 9, 2025, after a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on March 26, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan to his late parents Burnice and Hortense (Cozart) Thomas. The family relocated to Pigot, Arkansas, and subsequently to Qulin, Missouri where Bill grew up, attended school, and worked on his family’s cotton farm.

He married and moved with his young family to St. Louis in 1965, where he was employed with the railroad, retiring in 2006 after 41 years of dedicated service.

A lifelong supporter of the St. Louis Baseball Cardinals, Bill had a passion for sports, traveling, exercising, working on puzzles, playing Euchre with friends, and maintaining his well-kept yard and flowers. His fondness for flowers was widely recognized. He never met a flower he didn’t like and often rescued many from the Clearance Bin. Bill enjoyed meeting with his railroad buddies and sharing stories. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council 2269 and Assumption Catholic Church, where he fostered many friendships.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 23 years, Jeanette Koechner; three daughters: Kim (Glen) Longhibler of Arnold, MO, Cynthia Anderson of Poplar Bluff, MO, and Jackie (Paul) O’Rourke of O’Fallon, MO; two sons: Jeffrey Thomas of Arnold, MO, and Jeremey (Rochelle) Thomas of Chicago, IL; one brother: Danny (Iris) Thomas of Palmyra, TN; two sisters: JoAnn (Charles) Hall of Ballwin, MO, and Bettina (Ben Smith) Johnson of FL; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were siblings J.B. Thomas, Shirley Whalen, Jack Thomas, and James Thomas.

Even though our hearts are broken, we know he and Molly, his favorite fur baby, are once again enjoying their daily walk.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council 2269 or Assumption Catholic Church, O’Fallon, MO in Bill’s memory.