Barton 'Rip' Thomas

CHARLESTON, Mo. — Barton Ripley Thomas, affectionately known as Rip, 72, died Friday, Nov. 27, 2020.

He was born September 30, 1948, in Villa Ridge, Illinois.

Rip enlisted in the United States Air Force in November 1966. He was a highly skilled jet engine mechanic who was honorably discharged in 1972.

He would go on to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and earn a Bachelor Degree in Mortuary Science. Rip was an embalmer and funeral director at the Williams Funeral Homes Inc. for many, many years.

He will definitely be missed.

Visitation will be held Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the Williams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Full military honors will be accorded at 3 p.m.