Thomas Ninnis

Thomas G. Ninnis, 84, of Millstadt, IL, born Sunday, January 25, 1942, in East St. Louis, IL, passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, MO.

Thomas was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and coach. He was a role model, a shining example of kindness and humility, and a leader who gained the respect, admiration and love of all who had the privilege of knowing him. He spent his life doing the things he loved: taking care of his wife, spending time with family, attending as many of his children’s and grandchildren’s events as possible, playing golf with his friends and coaching softball.

Thomas started the Belleville West softball program in 1978 and was the head varsity coach until he retired in 1995. He went on to help coach at SWIC, coach with his son at West Jr. High, and then return to West, where he served as JV coach and then assistant varsity coach. He left West only to coach his granddaughter, again alongside his son, which he did for as long as he was able.

His compassion, humor, kindness and love touched countless people of all ages, and he helped shape the lives of so many – not only through coaching but by finding students jobs and careers over multiple decades while teaching in the Business Department at Belleville West. Thomas was also a member of East Lodge 504 AF & AM and the NRA.

He was preceded in death by his:

• Parents: John G. and Mary Helen, nee Briggs, Ninnis

Surviving are his:

• Wife: Elizabeth, nee Teel, Ninnis of Millstadt, IL
• Children:
  • Kristopher (Julie) Ninnis of Columbia, IL
  • Lori (Joe) Zimmerman of Mandeville, LA
  • Kelly Deal of Mascoutah, IL
  • Sherri (Mike) Tjemmes of Waterloo, IL
• Grandchildren:
  • Michael Mueller
  • Ava Zimmerman
  • Ryan (Kaymi) Zimmerman
  • Donovan Tjemmes
  • Merideth Tjemmes
  • Abigail Deal
  • Makayla Deal
  • Kallie Ninnis
  • Chase Ninnis
  • Kara Ninnis
• Great-Granddaughter due in October

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the BTHW Softball Program

Visitation: Visitation from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Monday, July 20, 2026 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois. with Masonic service will be held at 7:30 pm at Kurrus Funeral Home.

Services: Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 21, 2026 with Msgr. James Buerster officiating at Kurrus Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.

Obit Provided By:
Kurrus Funeral Home