Photo courtesy of Baier Family Funeral Services - Paxton
Paxton, Illinois
Apr 22, 1943 – Jun 8, 2025
Thomas Eugene Harrison, 82, of Paxton passed away at 1:20 p.m. Sunday, June 8, 2025 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tom was born April 22, 1943 in Redmon, Illinois the son of Ogle Ira and Ruth Downs Harrison. He married Mary Jean Gilkeson September 19, 1963 at the Evangelical Covenant Church, Paxton. She survives.
Along with his wife, Mary Jean, he is survived by four sons, Jeff (Bonnie) Harrison of Paxton, Tim (Kara) Harrison of Paxton, Matt (Jeni) Harrison of Atwood, TN, Ben Harrison of Paxton; four grandchildren who affectionately referred to him as “Grandpa Harry”, Kacey (J.T) Grady, Connor Reitmeier, Kody (Logan) Harrison, and Kyle (Haley) Reitmeier.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Tom spent his childhood in Redmon. He graduated from Brocton High School, Brocton and attended the University of Illinois and Illinois Commercial College. After their marriage he and Mary Jean lived in Fairbury before moving to Paxton. Tom worked for McCormick Spices as a sales manager and at Kraft Foods, Champaign for several years until retirement.
He was a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church, Paxton, the Illinois Beekeeper’s Association and the Tarbolton Lodge No. 351 Masonic Lodge, Fairbury. Tom enjoyed beekeeping, gardening, raising livestock, apple cider making and was an avid Illini, White Sox and Cubs sports fan. Most of all he loved spending time with his family.
Memorials may be made to the Evangelical Covenant Church, Paxton. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.
Read MoreCondolences and prayers for Tom's family in this time of loss. We have many great memories of cookouts and parties with the family as Matt is our son-in-law (my favorite son-in-law)! Tom was a wonderful man, funny, happy, caring and thoughtful. Memories for all to carry with them. God Bless
Barb & Steve Edwards
June 21, 2025
Sending prayers and heartfelt sympathy to the Harrison family as you mourn the loss of your loved one. Hold tight to the special memories you have made with your dad.
Lavona Watson
June 19, 2025 | Paxton, IL | Friend
Tom and I went through all 12 grades together and graduated together. Had many happy times and memories with Tom.
June Ray
June 14, 2025 | Paris, IL | Classmate
I grew up in the little town of Redmon with Tomhe was a life long friend !
William Combs
June 14, 2025 | Paris, IL | Friend
Tomorrow was a home town friend. Sounds like he had a great life. Blessings to his family!
Lois Taylor (Wright)
June 14, 2025
