Herbert L Thomas

Herbert L Thomas “Herb” aka “Rusty”, was born on September 29, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the youngest of two children born to the late Vivian Thomas and eldest of three born to Joseph Thomas. Herb was raised with an upstanding Christian and solid family background. Accepting Christ at an early age, Herb was always active in the church serving wherever needed. He was a longtime altar boy at St Sabina and recently served as the sound man at the Love, Faith and Praise Church where he attended.

Herb attended St. Sabina Academy, Garrett A. Morgan and Calumet High School in Chicago, Illinois. After high school he expressed an interest in auto mechanics. After attending Calumet he continued his education at Lincoln Tech pursuing various technical certifications in Automotive Maintenance. He also served in the United States Marine Corp for a short period.

Throughout his lifetime Herb had several different jobs. He worked for Olive Harvey College, Sears Fashion Center, AT&T, Chicago Board of Elections, and several Auto Servicing businesses. He also did volunteer work for Catholic Charities.

Herb was a lover of all types of music, specifically old school R & B with his favorite group being Parliament. If you saw or talked with him at any time, there would definitely be music in the background. He went nowhere without his music! He was also a lover of sports. He loved football, baseball, Nascar and basketball. More than any other hobby. he loved working on cars.

Being a fun-loving, forgiving and easy going person he became friends with many. Once you became friends with Herb you had a loyal friend for life who you could always depend on.

God prepared a mansion for Herb and called him home on May 4th 2023.

Herb was loved, respected, and appreciated by many, but none more than his children; Donnell (Jamilia), Eric, Timothy, and Tamara. His sisters, Inez Turner, Sheila Saffold, Dawn Dannard. Grandchildren; Donnell Jr, De’Andre and Ka’monte; Father; Joseph Thomas; Aunt; Lucinda Retess. There are a long list of people who were special to Herb; Tina Rhone, Charlene Sanders, Steve Perrilliat, Velma Ford, Lanita Frieson. There are just too many to list. He loved them all.

Herb also leaves a host of loving cousins and close friends.

Herb will TRULY be missed!

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