"Denny"

Age 85 of Braidwood, Illinois, formerly of Oak Forest, Illinois, died Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Morris Hospital.

Born August 10, 1940 in Alsip, Illinois, Dennis Paul was a son of Emmerson and Mary Jane (McCarthy) Thoms. He was raised and educated in Alsip and graduated from Blue Island High School with the Class of 1958. On May 23, 1970, Denny married Shirley Ann Halm, and together they shared 55 years of marriage. He was a maintenance mechanic for many years, beginning his career with Southwest Printing in Alsip and later General Business Forms in Skokie, Illinois, from where he retired after over 20 years of service.

Denny enjoyed travelling across the United States, especially going to Branson, Missouri, or Hayward, Wisconsin and Wisconsin Dells, and memorable trips to Disney World, cruises, and vacationing to Maui. Where he was happiest was outdoors with his family, taking fishing and hunting trips to the Alsip Sportsman's Club, or out on the golf course. Family was the number one priority for Denny, always striving to provide for his family. He was a wonderful role model and great man for his children and grandchildren to aspire to be like. Denny's love and devotion to his family will be missed dearly but will be remembered and cherished by those whom he loved.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Thoms of Braidwood, and his sons: Jeff (Lisa) Thoms of Channahon, IL and Keith (Katie) Thoms of Roselle, IL; five grandchildren: Kayla, Ryan, Kerri, Allie, and Khloe; his brother and sister-in-law: Edith Thoms of Lyndon Station, WI and Phil (Lucy) Halm of Clintonville, WI; and several nieces and nephews.

Denny was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law: Dorothy and William Halm; and two brothers: Larry and Paul Thoms.

Per Denny's wishes, cremation rites are being accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington on Friday, January 2, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of memorial service at 12:00 p.m.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Denny’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to Parkinson’s Research  

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guestbook, upload photographs, and share Denny’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)