Joel Nathaniel Thomas, 48, of Mason City, IL, passed away on Wednesday October
29, 2025 at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Joel was born in Lincoln, IL on
September 25, 1977 to Lori (Means) and Larry Thomas.

He married Melissa Maynerich, on October 23, 2004. They later divorced. Together
they had three beautiful children, Ethan (23), Ella (19), and Emrie (14). They were his pride
and joy, his light on dark days, and the very best pieces of him.

Joel was a 1996 graduate of Illini Central High School. He worked at Prairie Heart
Institute and later at Springfield Electric. He loved his boots, Pearl Jam, and the Chicago
Cubs.

Survivors include his mother and step-father, Lori and Marion Combs, of Mason City,
IL, and father and step-mother, Larry and Marcia Thomas of Brazil, IN. His children, Ethan of
Thayer, IL, Ella, Emrie and their mother, Melissa Thomas, all of Chatham, IL. Sisters, Autumn
(Curt Crozier) Thomas of Peoria, IL, Rachael (Deven Gullett) Thomas of Brazil, IN and
Chelsea Thomas of Dallas, TX, step-sisters, Laura (Eric) Green of Algonquin, IL, Melanie
Combs of Macomb, IL, and step-brother Blake (Jaclyn) Combs of Grovetown, GA. Also
surviving are his uncles John Means, Curt (Lynsey) Means, both of Mason City, IL and Mike
(Alys) Means of Prosser, WA, Kevin Humberd of Mt. Pulaski, IL, Steve (Gerlinde) Thomas of
Greenville, S.C., Bobby (Jean) Thomas of Mason City, IL and aunts Pam Combs of St. Louis,
MO and Candy Tomlin of Mason City, IL. Joel also leaves behind many nieces, nephews,
cousins (whom he considered bonus brothers and sisters), and friends he loved like family.
Joel was preceded in death by his oldest sister, Courtney Lyn Thomas, his maternal
grandparents, Dr. Jack and Eleanor Jo Means, his paternal grandmother Betty Dodson, step-
grandparents Betty and Hobart Combs, and aunts Sharon Combs and Peggy Means.

Joel is loved by so many and we will deeply miss him, his laughter, and his smile.

The family will hold a celebration of life on Saturday November 8, 2025 from 12-4pm at the
Reimagine Mason City Foundation building at 102 E Chestnut St., Mason City, IL. Cremation
rites have been accorded. Memorials are set up at the Mason City National Bank in Mason
City, IL.