Earl W. Thiems, 86, of New Douglas, Ill., died at Anderson Hospital in Maryville on Monday, Aug. 14, 2023. He was born on Jan. 26, 1937, in Old Ripley, the son of the late John and Emma Hemann Thiems. He married Dorothea Driesner on Jan. 26, 1963, in Grantfork, and she preceded him in death on Aug. 25, 2001.

He was employed as a sheet metal worker at McDonnell-Douglas in St. Louis, Mo. Earl served in the U.S. Army. He faithfully attended First Baptist Church in Highland and was a member of the Men’s Breakfast Committee. He was a member of IAMAW, New Douglas Volunteer Fire Department, and the Tri County Water Board. He enjoyed mowing grass.

Survivors include three children, Margie Orf, Edward Thiems and Tammy Faye (Timothy) Buchmiller; six grandchildren, Tasha, Luke, Samantha, Zachary, Ashlee, and Brittani; four great -grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Thiems (in infancy); a son, Carl Thiems; two brothers, Leroy (Elinor) Thiems and Gilbert (Helen) Thiems; and a son-in-law, Thomas Orf.

Funeral services were held Thursday, Aug. 17, at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton with Pastor Ed Haun officiating. Interment was in New Douglas Cemetery. The Staunton Military Honor Guard conducted graveside military rites.

Memorials are suggested to either First Baptist Church of Highland, New Douglas Fire Department, or to the American Cancer Society. To leave an on-line condolence, please visit http://www.williamsonfh.com.