Of Elwood, passed away at his residence, Monday, January 14, 2019. Age 82 years. Survived by his loving daughter Pam (Mike) Gambosi, his granddaughter Nichole (Dan) Briggs. Also several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his wife of 61 years Charlene Mae Maske (nee Cressler) (2017), his parents William and Stella Mae Maske (nee Stacey), four brothers and two step-sisters. Thomas was born June 15, 1936 in Selden, Kansas. He married Charlene Mae Cressler on December 15, 1956 in Norton, KS. In 1978 they moved to New Lenox, IL. and then to Elwood in 2001. Thomas began his career with the Rock Island Railroad in 1951 and retired from the Federal Railroad Administration in 2001. Member of First Christian Church in Joliet. Veteran of the U.S. Army and American Legion Harwood Post #5. Past Master and Life Member of Joliet Masonic Temple Matteson Lodge #175, Mt. Joliet Lodge #42, Elwood Lodge #919, Plainfield Lodge #536, Hoxie Lodge # 348 and Selden Lodge #423. Thomas was a dedicated member of the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Honor Guard. Funeral services will be held at the Carlson-Holmqiust-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Rd., Thursday, January 24th at 10:00 A.M. Rev. Vinton Ritchey officiating. Interment will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery with Military Honors provided by his fellow Honor Guard members. Memorials to Shriners Children Hospital will be appreciated. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M.