Allan "Al" Thomas, of Ludlow, passed away Thursday, April 2, 2026, at home surrounded by family.

He was born on the farm east of Ludlow to Louie Thomas and Ida Opal (Meece) Thomas. After attending Maple Grove Country School and Ludlow Grade School, Al graduated from Rantoul Township High School in 1952.

He married Janet Shrader, of Lake Fork, in 1969 at First Baptist Church of Rantoul, where they built a life grounded in faith and family. Al was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sons, Mark Allan Thomas (infant) and Jeffrey Thomas; and his siblings, Gladys Niccum, Dorothy Griswold, Wylodene Samples, Earl Thomas, and Marlene Loschen.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Thomas, of Ludlow, Ill.; his children, Jeanne (Rich) Wilbur of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Steven (Allyson) Thomas of Ludlow, Ill.; his grandchildren, Mark (Heidi) Wilbur of Denver, Colo., Holly (Thomas) Watts of Fuquay-Varina, N.C., Lindsay (Erik) Martin of Colorado Springs, Colo., Kate (Nic) Aldridge of Champaign, Ill., Jarrett (Whitney) Thomas of Fisher, Ill., and Jordan Thomas of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and his sister, Lela Vandermolen, of Fond Du Lac, Wis.

He was also deeply loved by his great-grandchildren: Madeline Long (12), Cody Allan Wilbur (11), Ryan Wilbur (8), Grayson Martin (9), Phoenix Watts (6), Bailey Martin (6), and Rhiannon Watts (3).

Al lived a life rooted in hard work and connection. He was a farmer and co-owner of Thomas Bros. Trucking, building a business alongside his brother and sons with pride and dedication. Al was known for giving many locals their first jobs. He loved working with his hands and believed in showing up for his family, his community, and anyone who needed help. He was known for stopping to help strangers on the side of the road, never hesitating to do so.

He had a gift for knowing people everywhere he went. No matter the state, there always seemed to be someone who knew Al. In his office, he created his own "Cap City," a collection of hats that reflected a life full of stories, places, and people.

He loved deeply and simply: raking leaves in the fall so his grandchildren could jump into them, sitting down for coffee with friends, and spending time at church. He was also a passionate sports fan, cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and the Fighting Illini basketball team.

Racing was one of his greatest joys. Al raced sprint car #72 (a yellow, white, and black car) well into his later years, continuing until the age of 88. Known to many as "Mr. T," he was invited to speak at the 3rd Annual Racers Roundtable at Jacksonville Speedway in 2023, a reflection of the respect he earned in the racing community. Winter brought one of his favorite pastimes - snowmobiling, especially when shared with his family.

He also served as a Village of Ludlow trustee for 28 years. He was a member of the Ludlow Masonic Lodge, I & I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club, and the First Baptist Church of Rantoul.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday at First Baptist Church of Rantoul, with funeral services beginning at 12:30 p.m. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery. Lunch and fellowship will follow at the church.

For the visitation and service, please feel free to wear anything yellow or a favorite racing t-shirt.

Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.