Thomas R. McNeil

Thomas R. McNeil, 83, of 1513 Curtis Creek Rd. died Friday (Oct. 22, 2010) in his home.

He was born on Sept. 2, 1927, in Chicago, a son of Thomas J. and Helen M. (Grizzle) McNeil. He married Mary Straub Feb. 3, 1951, in Bloomington. She survives.

Thomas served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and then served for 20 plus years in the Naval Reserves with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Mr. McNeil was, along with his father, a co-owner of the 7UP Bottling Company of Quincy. He was employed at the Quincy Herald Whig in the sales department for many years and then later retired from the Illinois Veterans Home in 1990. He was a member of the Church of St. Peter. Thomas was involved in historical re-enactments. He was an avid shooter and member of the NRA. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge. He was an avid reader and lover of books.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by six children, Mary Robinson and her husband, Tom, of Virginia Beach, Va., Thomas R. McNeil, Jr. and his wife, Linda, of Quincy, Michael McNeil and his wife, Wanda, of Hales Corners, Wis., James McNeil and his wife, Debbie, of Quincy, Erin Reece and her husband, Ryan, of Quincy  and Nora Ross and her husband, Ken, of Mahwah, N.J.; six grandchildren, Reeder Robinson, Brian McNeil and his wife, Jill, Adam McNeil, Dan McNeil, Lauren Santora and her husband, Anthony, and Samantha Ross; one great grandchild, Maggie McNeil; a sister, Sheila McMichael and her husband, Charles. Nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents.

SERVICES: 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Duker and Haugh Funeral Home and at 10 a.m. in Church of St. Peter. Burial with military honors will be in St. Boniface Cemetery.

VISITATION: 4 to 7 p.m. Monday in the funeral home with a parish prayer service at 6:30 p.m.

MEMORIALS: Church of St. Peter or Quincy Public Library.

ARRANGEMENTS: Duker and Haugh Funeral Home.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.whig.com.