Thomas, of Belleville IL, was born in East St. Louis IL. Thomas was a hard-working family man and a proud union member of Teamsters Local 50. He spent his younger years bartending at the local family restaurant, Farmers Inn, Millstadt. Thomas continued to live a life of service, always giving back. He was the type of person who would give the shirt off his back for anyone that needed it, no questions asked. He never lost hope or his sense of humor throughout the hardships he endured. Thomas loved playing pranks and always had a joke to make you laugh. When he wasn’t busy at work providing for his family, you could find him watching or attending a sports event or concert. His greatest passion and hobby however was spending time with his grandchildren. He spent every second he could with them, and together they especially enjoyed fishing outdoors. We will never forget how strong, kind, and selfless he was, putting everyone’s needs before his own. Thomas was a warrior, a courageous man who refused to give up. We can now take comfort in knowing he will no longer be in pain and is in a better place up in Heaven.
Thomas is survived by his two daughters, Alisha Peppler and Sara Geiger; five grandchildren, Maleah McKissick, Anton McKissick, Zane Brock, Bryant (Abbie) Peppler, and Nicholas Peppler; mother of his children, Nancy Geiger; five sisters, Heather (Jeff) Bowen, Nancy (Tom) Bauman, Laura Edmundson, Tina (Steve) Uhl, and Angelia Schmidt; two brothers, George Geiger and John (Doris) Geiger; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ashley Geiger; his parents, James and Mary, nee Adams, Geiger; a brother, Phillip Geiger; a brother-in-law, Keith Schmidt; and a sister-in-law, Bonnie Geiger.
Memorials may be made to the Geiger family.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, August 13, 2022, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, August 13, 2022, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Fr. Jim Thomas officiating.