"Great memories of wonderful neighbor/church family in Libertyville. Our sympathy!"
In loving memory of
Tom F. Walters
November 19, 2015
Tom Frederick Walters, 84, of Quincy, Illinois died Monday, November 2, 2015 at Blessing Hospital.
Tom was born to Basil L. & Reah E. (Handy) Walters October 18, 1931 in Des Moines, Iowa and was married to Mary Katherine "Katie" Russell, daughter of John E. and Mary R. (Pearce) Russell in Waukegan, Illinois on December 8, 1956.
Tom was a much beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Tom grew up in Des Moines, Iowa; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Gross Pointe, Michigan; and Kenilworth, Illinois. Tom graduated from New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois; Beloit College, Beloit, Wisconsin; United States Navy OCS School, Newport, Rhode Island and took his MBA coursework at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois.
Tom served as a Lieutenant in the United States Naval Reserve Active Duty 1953-1956 and Inactive Duty 1956-1962. Tom was the operations officer for the Amphibious Squadron is the Western Pacific - Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Indo-China and Alaska. He served in both the Korean War and the Humanitarian Aid Program in Viet Nam.
Tom's career included management consulting with CMP, Yale & Towne, and long time management positions with Joy Manufacturing, and Gardner Denver and was a general partner in Tonaja Farms.
Tom loved to sail, he enjoyed swimming, golfing, boating, and fishing, reading, and following his grandchildren's activities.
Tom was an active member of Faith Presbyterian Church. He was involved with the Golden K. Kiwanas, Quincy Art Center, Spring Lake Association, Greater O'Hare Chamber of Commerce Board, Boy Scouts, Young Republicans, and was on the Junior Achievement Board. Tom was an AMA lecturer. In younger days he had served as a volunteer fireman in Long Beach, Indiana.
He is survived by his wife Katie, his children Karen E. Garnica, Juliet M. (James) Corbett, Thomas R. Walters (Tiffany Hopkins), Alexandra K. (Christopher) Bixler, and Suzanne C. (Michael) Mitchinson and grandchildren Jennifer L. (Paul) Merritt, Leslie J. (Brian) Deets, James T. Corbett, Laurel M. (Erik) Poff, Caroline G. Corbett, Charles A. Corbett, Jack C. Bixler, Samuel R. Bixler, Henry B. Bixler, Thomas C. "Casey" Walters, Nicholas G. Mitchinson, Mathew J. Mitchinson, great grandchildren Tim, James, Lucy Jane, Eden, Silas, and Titus Merritt, and Joseph Poff and his sister Nancy E. Valentine. Tom is also survived by his brother in law John P. (Carolee) Russell, sister in law Judith (Engelke) Walters, cousin Virginia (Handy) Babb, cousin Betty L. Beall, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his brother James H. Walters, brother in law Richard H. Valentine, sister in law Diana Gay (Zinn) Russell and daughter in law Laura L. (Gilson) Walters.
Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at Faith Presbyterian Church with Rev. Rob Bakker officiating.
Visitation: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at Faith Presbyterian Church.
Memorials may be made to either Faith Presbyterian Church or the Great River Honor Flight.
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.
Tributes
"Love you Dad, Thomas"
"What a wonderful legacy and family he leaves behind! WOW! Our thoughts and prayers are with your family - those left behind! You shall, all, meet again. Love, Rublees"
"We will miss this wonderful man. He was a man who loved to be active and on the go. His smiles blessed us many, many times. Our love to Katie and all the family. Janie and Dan Russell, Boulder Junction, WI"
"Bless you Tommy. You are loved and you will be missed. Love to Katie and all the family. Mary and Dinnie"
"I'm going to miss you so much Dad. Love, Karen"
"I read with regret the notice of Tom's passing. I and my wife both worked for Tom starting in Elk Grove. Cori and I thought the world of Tom and are very grateful for the opportunities that he provided me. Tom was a very intelligent person and had a great sense of humor. I learned a lot working with him and appreciated his passion for the job. I also saw the love he had for his family. I remember quite well shipping care packages for him to Juliet while she was in school. He seemed quite proud of his family. Tom had a positive impact on my life and I appreciate his taking a chance on me. Please know that I am deeply sorry for your loss. God bless you. Dave and Cori Wadsworth"