Todd Michael Thomas Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

On the evening of July 26, 2022, our beloved Todd Michael Thomas passed away after a valiant battle with cancer. He was 41 years old. Todd leaves behind his wife, Velvet; daughter, Ayden (10), and son TJ (6). He is survived by his mother, Jeanette (Jim); father, Ernie; brothers Eric (Leila) and Chad (Kimberly); nieces, Caroline and Charleigh; nephew, Nolan; and countless extended family members and devoted friends. Todd was an extraordinary man of many hats. Todd was a true outdoorsman who was passionate about fishing, hunting, and all things nature. Some of his fondest memories include the summer he spent with Uncle Bud at Coyote Forest in Swan Valley, Montana. Growing up in Virginia and throughout his life, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and floating down the Shenandoah River with his dearest friends. Todd was ecstatic when he finally scored a wild turkey–which had eluded him for years. Unfortunately, his wife had no idea how to cook it, and it turned out to be quite a disastrous meal–filled with a lot of laughter. At home, he would wake up early some mornings and walk down to Lake Miltmore with a coffee and pole in hand. He would cast a few lines before breakfast and enjoy the quiet peacefulness of the lake. One of his greatest joys was teaching Ayden and TJ how to fish. Todd was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps and a patriot. He was proud of his service, and he loved his country. When asked his favorite color, he would respond with camouflage. He reminisced frequently of the time he spent in Okinawa and at MCAS New River. Among numerous accomplishments and awards, he was recognized for his “outstanding dedication, devotion, and hard work” by the Marines and civilians in Air Traffic Control H&HS MCAS New River. Todd proudly displayed the plaque he was awarded for this recognition in his workshop. He was also tremendously proud of receiving the "Range Highest Shot Award" during the annual rifle qualification at MCAS New River. But most of all, Todd was proud of the lasting friendships he built with his Marine Corps brothers, who remember him as “the best of the best.” Over the years, Todd became a skilled craftsman and carpenter who was dedicated to providing homeowners with an exceptional quality of work. He was respected by his peers and regarded as a leader and model employee. But more than that, Todd was a jack of all trades and frequently helped friends and neighbors with projects small and large. He was generous with his time and talents. He was the kind of guy you could always count on to be there to lend a helping hand. Todd was never idle. He spent his nights and weekends turning his house into a home for his family. Last summer, he built TJ a brand new bedroom by constructing a shed dormer and creating a special space with a dinosaur nook and all. Todd was determined to provide his family with a beautiful and loving home. Todd was a loving husband and father. He met his wife, Velvet, while stationed at MCAS New River. She remembers vividly how he brought the house down that karaoke night (and many others) with his rendition of “Sweet Child of Mine.” They reunited years later with a date at Wrigley Field and dinner at Froggy’s in Highwood, IL. Going to baseball games and eating good food quickly became a family tradition. Todd and Velvet celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary in June. There are too many special memories to recount them all. It’s the little moments and the quirks that stand out most to his family. Todd spent countless hours reading Harry Potter to Ayden at bedtime–somehow managing to make it through the entire series with enthusiasm, playing Super Smash Bros. with TJ, and initiating epic Nerf gun wars with both of them. He loved taking them to the golf range, down to the lake to fish and swim, and to Great America to ride the roller coasters. Todd was a sweet father with a sweet tooth. The kids joked that Dad was a cookie monster because he could demolish a box of Thin Mints or Oreos in one sitting. Ayden and TJ knew not to expect any leftover brownies. Todd loved milkshakes, especially chocolate ones. And to the kids' delight, he would build bonfires in the backyard, roast marshmallows, and make s’mores with them. He was a proud father who loved watching his daughter dance. And this summer, he was filled with so much joy watching TJ ride his bike for the first time without training wheels. He had a dad’s sense of humor and would call his wife each time he passed the Lake County Farm Bureau just to share the day’s joke with her. These are just a few of the many memories that his family will cherish forever. Remember Todd for his strength, bravery, generosity, and his love for his family, friends, and life. Always. “Rather than mourn the absence of the flame, let us celebrate how brightly it burned.” A memorial gathering will be held on September 17th from noon-2:30 p.m. at Ringa Funeral Home in Lake Villa, IL. Please join us for a celebration of Todd’s life at 3:00 p.m. at Fourth Lake Resort in Lake Villa, IL.–Todd’s favorite watering hole. He’d love nothing more than to share a toast and a Guinness with all of his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to support Todd’s family. Information can be found at https://gofund.me/dbc2eedd.

Tributes

Todd Michael Thomas

May 3, 1981 - July 26, 2022