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Eastern Illinois University

FUNERAL HOME

Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory LTD - Mulford Chapel

1860 South Mulford Rd

Rockford, Illinois

Thomas Littrell Obituary

THOMAS RAY 'TOM' LITTRELL, 68 ROCKFORD - Thomas Ray "Tom" Littrell, 68, Rockford, passed away Thursday, January 23, 2014, in his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 22, 1945, in Decatur, the son of Paul and Lucille (Smith) Littrell. Tom had lived in Rockford for 26 years, coming here from Freeport. He received his undergraduate and Master's degree in art from Eastern Illinois University. Tom married Pamela "Pam" Ray in Rockford on November 29, 1969. Tom taught art for 9 years in Hume, IL and in Freeport. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. Tom worked as an interior designer at Rockford Standard Furniture Co. for 20 years before establishing Tom Littrell Designs located at 317 Market St. Tom volunteered as a docent at the Rockford Art Museum, was active in Element, the Rockford Area Arts Council, Shop Downtown, the River District Association, and many other organizations in the area. Tom's family would like to thank the nurses and staff on 4 West at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center for their kind and compassionate care. Survived by his wife, Pam; his daughter, Nicole (Patrick) Gallaher; his son, Christian Littrell; his grandchildren, Taylor and Emmerson Gallaher; his brothers, Terry Littrell of California and Tim (Jenny) Littrell of Decatur; his niece, Ashley(Jonathan) Offerman; his nephew, Wesley Littrell; and his "second daughters", Shana Paris and Nicole Hollis. Predeceased by his parents and his sisters, Bonnie and Ann Littrell. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2014, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd., Rockford, with Reverend Edward J. Seisser officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 28, 2014, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 Mulford Rd., 61108, with a time of sharing at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9 until 9:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Tom Littrell Art Foundation Fund to continue his advocacy for the arts through student scholarships and for opportunities for children to partake in bringing artistic vision to Rockford. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Freeport Journal Standard from Jan. 26 to Jan. 28, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Littrell

25 Entries

Theresa Zink

February 17, 2014

We are so sorry for your loss. Tom helped us make our house into our warm and welcoming home, and he always felt like a friend. Our lives were richer because we knew him.

Amanda Kasper

February 12, 2014

I'm sorry for your loss. It was a blessing to be able to meet Tom. He had such an uplifting presence. He will be missed.

Sandra Lindberg-Eakes

January 31, 2014

Dear Pam and family.... I am so sorry to hear this shocking news. May your love for Tom and your memories help you through your journey of grief. You two were always so kind to me and I thank you.

Lois Bollman

January 29, 2014

Dear Pam and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time of great loss. Tom was a loving, kind, gentle person. I admire his artistic talents and his love for you, Pam, and his family. Cherish the memories always. Lois Bollman

Phil Hazenfield

January 29, 2014

Pam
I was Tom's 'big brother' in Sigma Pi fraternity and also an art major when Tom pledged. He was a great guy and I'd lost track of him. I am sad to have missed seeing him and wish you and your family my sincere condolances. I still have the paddle he made for me (as was the custom) and it was one of the best ones ever. He was a good man.
Phil (spider) Hazenfield '67
[email protected]

erin pick

January 29, 2014

my deepest condolences on the loss of such a kind, generous, and talented man. thinking of all of you--

Jason Gaudry

January 29, 2014

Dear Littrell Family:
My deepest condolences to the entire family. Christian and I grew up together, I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Littrell for 20 years. He was a kind and caring man and I always enjoyed our conversation as well as he and Pam's hospitality over the years.

Bless those who mourn, eternal God,with the comfort of your love that they may face each new day with hope and the certainty that nothing can destroy the good that has been given. May their memories become joyful,their days enriched with friendship,and their lives encircled by your love.
Amen.

Yolanda & Paco Aguirre

January 29, 2014

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Tait Weigel

January 28, 2014

Pam, I am sorry for you and your family to have to bear this loss. Tom was a wonderful person and had great talent, which I admired. Please accept my sympathy, Tait Weigel

Katie Eisenbeisz

January 28, 2014

Mrs. Littrell, I'm sorry I won't be able to make it to the funeral but I will keep you and your family in my prayers. You were one of my favorite teachers. It shocked me when I saw the announcement of your husband's passing. You always talked so greatly of him. I pray that you remain strong during all this. Let me know if you ever need anything.(815-516-7604) I miss you!

-God Bless-

January 28, 2014

Dear Pam and family, Like so many others I was saddened to lose one of the art communities finest. Tom was loved and respected among all of us in the design network. He was a joy to know and work with and will certainly be missed. Always upbeat and supportive, he will be remembered and counted as a friend to so many. So sorry for your loss. Tonya Clutter, Panache Interiors

Amy Bailey

January 28, 2014

Mr Littrell was a great teacher and friend. He inspired so many student, including myself.

Kayla White

January 27, 2014

I was a student of Mr. Littrell at FHS. He believed in me when I didn't even believe in myself. I made art my career, and I will always be thankful for his kindness and encouragement. My deepest sympathy to the family.

Deborah Downs

January 27, 2014

Tom was such a joy to care for when he would visit us in ambulatory care here at OSF. We could talk about anything! He was a very sweet and gentle man with a great sense of humor who's outlook on life was inspiring. I'm so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.

Alberta Hoernecke

January 27, 2014

Dear Pam and family So very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was such a kind loving man. I'm so glad to have known him. My Deepest Sympathy Alberta Hoernecke

Sue Cusimano

January 27, 2014

I am a former art student at FHS of Mr Littrell's. I enjoyed having him as a teacher, and remember what a kind person he was. My condolences to his family.

Kathy Wilken

January 27, 2014

Dearest family of Tom...I am not good with fancy words but please know that he has helped me keep my art fire going. I am truly sorry for your loss and his passing.

Dennis Wunsch

January 26, 2014

Tom was a most memorable and inspiring influence to me while at Freeport HS -- and had a great deal to do with furthering my career in art. I know he was also a positive force with many others as well. He will be missed -- and remembered...

January 26, 2014

With sympathy and sadness I read about Tom's passing, Pam, my heart and prayers are thinking of you.
Sue Schroepfer

January 26, 2014

We were saddened to hear of Tom's passing. Our deepest condolences to Pam and the Littrell family. Sincerely, Roy and Marsha Rimbach

Cele Mercer

January 26, 2014

My dearest friend and his family...all the years of laughter and tears shared together. Wow...you always said "If they put both of us in a bag - who's coming out first?" You were my rock. I love all of you so much. You are an inspiration to so many, and as we agreed .."one of a kind" God be with you and know my heart too.

January 26, 2014

Knowing Tom & Pam for many years, he will be greatly missed. Connie Bartels

Craig and Terri Lindmark

January 26, 2014

Dear Pam and Family,

Craig and I are very saddened to learn of Tom's passing. We hold him in high regard for his vision for change and high standards. We cherish in our memory the Grandchildren stories we heard him tell about the many visits. Take time to remember all the special times shared together.

Craig and Terri Lindmark

Giacomina Francik

January 26, 2014

Pam & Family,
We are so saddened by Tom's passing - he was a great person, and we are so glad we were able to get to know him through Creekside events. Tom was an advocate for our neighborhood, and his vision and passion will be sorely missed. Our love, thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Giacomina & John Francik & Family

January 25, 2014

It was my pleasure taking care of Tom in his time of need. I cherished getting to know Tom. I pray for him and his family.

With love,
Jen Martins (4 West RN)

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