Thomas Maske

Thomas Dale Maske, 83, of Anna, passed away at 10:23 PM on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at Integrity Health Care of Anna. He was born September 3, 1934 in Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa, to Dale and Margery Maske. At the age of 16 Thomas was diagnosed with polio and spent his remaining 67 years in a manual wheelchair because of the disease. After graduating from high school in 1952, Thomas went on to graduate from Oklahoma State Tech in 1954. He married Sylvia Estal on December 28, 1954 in West Branch, Iowa. Despite being confined to a wheelchair, Thomas spent much of his career traveling the world with visits to England, Germany, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and Australia. Thomas and his family lived in Taipei, Taiwan from 1970-1976 where Thomas served as the Director of Purchasing for Admiral Overseas Corporation. After returning to the US, Thomas served with several corporations and a non-profit entity in a variety of positions typically involving purchasing. He spent ten years before retirement as the owner of Jiffy Print in Evansville, Indiana. Thomas was very active in civic organizations and the United Methodist Church. Some of the awards and citations that he received over his life include the Civitan Outstanding Lt. Governor Award (Mt. Carmel, Illinois Chapter) in 1985 and the Civitan Key Award in 1987. Thomas was an active Amateur Radio Operator (KA9EYS) for many years and received the R.A.D.I.O. – President’s Award (Mt. Carmel, Illinois Amateur Radio Club) in 1984. Thomas was awarded the Davenport Jaycee Club’s Person of the Year Award in 1963 for co-chairing a mass-inoculation drive to eradicate polio. He served as the church treasurer for Anna UMC from 2003-2013 and also as a church trustee. In addition to these activities, Thomas enjoyed boating on the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan, photography, and was an early advocate of personal computing starting in 1985 and continuing as an avid Mac user for the remainder of his life. Beyond all these things, Thomas was a husband and father, grandfather and great-grandfather who inspired his family by never allowing his handicap to dictate his circumstances. Whether living overseas, driving automobiles, all-terrain vehicles and boats, or navigating a flight of stairs in his wheelchair, Thomas never let human obstacles get in his way and he relied on his Lord for the spiritual ones. This is Thomas’ legacy and how he will be remembered. Thomas is survived by his wife for 63 years, Sylvia; children, Mark (wife Mary) Maske of Austin, TX, Jocelyn (husband James) Brown of Albion, IL, Jay (wife Tara) Maske of Olathe, KS, and Craig (wife Marjorie) Maske of Plantersville, TX; ten grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and brother, Dick (wife Judy) Maske of West Branch, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Margery and a granddaughter, Jessica Brown. Graveside Services for Thomas Maske will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 13, 2018 at McGinnis Cemetery with Pastor Bill Minor officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church and will be accepted at the cemetery or funeral home. Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements.

Thomas Maske

September 3, 1934 - April 7, 2018