Thomas W. Johns
Thomas William Johns, 97, of Normal, Ill., formerly of Delavan, Ill., passed away on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at OSF St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bloomington, Ill.
Born on Jan. 27, 1929, in Winona, Minn. to Jesse Ray and Eloise (Allen) Johns, Thomas married Alice Mae Varney on Aug. 3, 1952, in Delavan. He is survived by his wife of over 74 years.
Also surviving are his children, Roberta Aram (Alan, deceased) of Los Osos, Calif., Ada Rediger (John) of Hudson, Ill., Mary Johns of Tucson, Ariz., Thomas Michael Johns (Katherine Simson) of Fowlerville, Mich., and Eloise Spurgeon (John), Galesburg, Ill.; 10 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren, one sister, Priscilla Gunn of St. Louis, Mo. and many nieces and nephews. His parents, two sisters, six brothers-in-law and a son-in-law preceded him in death.
Thomas grew up in Winona, Minn., but spent many summers and holidays at his grandparents’ farm on Toboggan Ave., Delavan. The family moved to Webster Groves, Mo. when he was 14. That’s where he graduated high school in 1947. He attended University of Illinois for 2 years, then worked on a farm near Springfield, Ill. He moved to Delavan in 1950 where he began farming on Hackney Lane. He and Alice raised their family and farmed there for 44 years. They remained on the farm, overseeing operations for another 28 years before moving to Mercy Creek retirement community in Normal in 2022.
Thomas was a dreamer and a doer. School wasn’t easy and communication was a challenge but that didn’t stop him from believing in himself—and others. Little barriers like lack of money, resources, knowledge or skills, geographical distance, or naysayers didn’t stop him from pursuing his ideas.
He earned the Eagle Scout rank at age 13, and his private pilot license at 17. He embarked on epic cross-country camping trips with his sister’s family. He went on wilderness canoe trips to Quetico Provincial Park with kids and grandkids.
Thomas was willing to take a chance on innovation and new ideas. He bought the first model VW bus in the 60’s, a diesel Peugeot sedan in the 70’s and several European farm implements as they appeared on the market.
Thomas was a no-fuss, do-it-yourself problem-solver. He taught himself to weld so he could repair his own farm equipment. He learned enough electrical, plumbing, mechanical and other practical skills to create and repair all manner of farm and household implements and goods. There was nothing he wouldn’t tackle to keep farm and family running.
Thomas encouraged others to serve the church and community by his example of 20+ years as a Dillon Township official, 50 years as a director of Cornbelt Energy Corporation and service in many offices and committees for the Delavan United Methodist Church. He was not a “respecter of persons”. He was as comfortable speaking with his U.S. Senators as he was with “the least of these” in the township he served.
Thomas was enormously proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grands. He showed it, not so much in words, but in unwavering interest in and support for their unique pursuits, dreams and wishes. If he could advise or assist, he was there! He will be profoundly missed.
A memorial celebration will be held at Delavan United Methodist Church at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and light supper after the service. Cremation rites will be accorded, and burial will be in Prairie Rest Cemetery, Delavan, Ill. at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Thomas’ family requests memorial donations be directed to the Delavan United Methodist Church. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
