It is with great sadness that Hinshaw announces the passing of long-time Hinshaw partner Charles "Chuck" F. Thomas of the firm's Rockford, Illinois office. Chuck was an inspirational leader and great friend to many at the firm, serving in a variety of senior management positions. In 2018, he was awarded the Edward Potter Lathrop medal by the Winnebago County Bar Association for his "significant and positive influence" on the legal profession and the "quality of community life" in Rockford.

Chuck joined Hinshaw in 1985 and practiced law in Rockford for more than 50 years. He served as an advisor to Rockford area banking institutions for more than 30 years, including 24 years as a member—a decade of which was spent as the Chairman—of the Board of Directors for BancServe Group (formerly known as City National Bank of Rockford) which subsequently became First of America Bank, National City Bank and now PNC Bank. Chuck also served on many community and charitable organizations, including over 30 years on the OSF Healthcare System Board of Directors.

All of us who had the pleasure and privilege to know and work with Chuck remember him as a compassionate and humble leader, whose gracious humanity was evident in all aspects of his life. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Chuck's wife, Sue, and all other members of his family.

Obituary: https://www.fitzgeraldfh.com/obituaries/Charles-Freeman-Thomas?obId=22629375#/obituaryInfo

Service: Friday, October 15th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Avenue, Loves Park, IL 61111 with a Celebration of Life immediately following at the parish hall.

OSF HealthCare published a press release commemorating "one of [OSF's] most loyal and dedicated supporters."

Rockford Register Star published an extensive story on a man "never content to stand still" and who "always led by example."

Chuck's professional bio follows below:

Profile

Chuck Thomas practiced in general corporate and business law, with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, corporate health care law, and general business transactions.

His clients ranged from small, private companies to publicly held companies, with a particular emphasis on counsel to banking and financial institutions. Chuck advised public companies in acquisitions and takeovers, and served them as outside general counsel, advising on day-to-day operational matters. He represented clients in state and federal court and argued before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Professional Background

Chuck served as a member of Hinshaw's Management Committee and Executive Committee and also served as leader of the firm's Commercial Transactions Practice Group.

Chuck was a noted advisor to Rockford area banking and financial institutions for decades. He served on the BancServe Group formerly City National Bank (later PNC Bank) Board of Directors for 24 years and was Chairman of that Board for 10 years. He also served on the boards of Byron Bank, Boone State Bank, and First of America Bank.

Community and Civic Activities

Chuck served on the boards of directors of numerous public, charitable and community service organizations, including the Illinois Bankers Association, Illinois Public Airports Association, Greater Rockford Airport Authority, the Winnebago County Housing Authority, Children's Development Center, the Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce, St. Anne's Place, Saint Anthony Medical Center, Saint Anthony College of Nursing, OSF Foundation and OSF Health Plans.

Education

Admissions

Honors & Awards