Alan Thomas Obituary

Alan Dale "Al" Thomas, passed away on September 13, 2025, just shy of his 68th birthday. Al was born in Hinsdale, IL, on September 16, 1957, and he spent his life passionately pursuing knowledge and sharing that wisdom with others. Al was a dedicated research scientist who made significant contributions to the field of carbon fiber, working with renowned companies such as Hercules Aerospace Corporation, Zoltek Corporation, Fiber Materials, Inc., and finishing his career with pride at Solvay Corporation. He held both a Bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and a PhD from the University of Minnesota-St. Paul. He was not just a scientist; Al was also a man of many hobbies. He loved to spend his days fishing and tending to his garden, appreciating the beauty of nature as much as the wonders of science. Al leaves behind his beloved wife, Miriam Thomas, along with his cherished daughter, Michelle, and son, Quill. They, along with many others who knew him, will miss his laughter, wisdom, and passion for life. A Memorial Service honoring Al's life will be held at 1:30pm on Friday, September 26, 2025 at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home-Southeast with a time of visitation to follow, from 2:15 PM until 4:15 PM. As we say goodbye to Al, we celebrate a life that was well-lived, filled with joy, and dedicated to making the world a better place through science and his personal passions. He will forever remain in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Alan with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory".