Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1940
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Thomas O'Leary Obituary
December 21, 1940 - August 7, 2025
Mascoutah, Illinois - Thomas L. O'Leary, 84, of Mascoutah, IL, born December 21, 1940, in East St. Louis, IL, passed away Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Silver Creek Assisted Living, Mascoutah, IL.
Tom retired in 1995 as a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force after 34 years of dedicated service to his country, including time in both the Air Force and Air Force Reserve. He continued his commitment to service in a civilian role as Aircraft Support with Trans Alert at Scott Air Force Base, until his retirement at the age of 80 in 2021.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Mabel (née Case) O'Leary; his brother, Gary; his son, Gary; stepson, Cevin West; and son-in-law, Scott Frillman.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Sharen (née LohKamp) O'Leary, whom he married on April 9, 1965, in Tacoma, WA; four sons, John (Kim) O'Leary, Bob (Rochelle) O'Leary, Scott (Vicki) O'Leary, and Steve (Michelle) O'Leary; four stepchildren, Chuck (Crisauna) West, Carla Frillman, Cindy (Dave) Johnson, and Colleen (Steve) Nicholson. He was a very proud grandparent to Madalan (Travis) Hoguet, Meagan (Nick) Sanchez, Tylor (Emily Schmidt) O'Leary, Paige O'Leary, Alynnah (Zach) Stenger, Olivia (Robbie) Johnson, Aiden O'Leary, and Erin O'Leary; and great-grandchildren Hadley, Emery, Sophia, Gabriella, and Ainsley.
A devout Catholic, Tom was a member of Holy Childhood Catholic Church and a 3rd-degree member of Knights of Columbus Council #4380 in Mascoutah, IL. He was dedicated to serving his community, contributing his time to Meals on Wheels, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and St. Louis Children's Hospital.
Tom had a passion for sports, particularly basketball, where he earned the nickname "Scrappy." He also loved spending time outdoors, enjoying activities such as camping, fishing, and gardeningespecially tending to his beloved flower beds. In fact, before his passing, Tom shared with Sharen that he hoped to one day work in "God's flower beds."
Memorials may be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois, 2900 Frank Scott Pkwy W, Suite 956, Belleville, IL 62223. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mollfuneralhome.com.
VISITATION: From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, at Holy Childhood Catholic Church in Mascoutah, IL.
FUNERAL: A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, at Holy Childhood Catholic Church with Father Mark Stec celebrating. Burial with military honors will follow in Holy Childhood Catholic Cemetery, Mascoutah, IL.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas O'Leary
Sponsored by Belleville News-Democrat.
4 Entries
Sue Frillman
September 12, 2025
So you to learn of Tom´s death. Sending deepest sympathy to his family. He was a special man and will be missed and remembered all who knew him.
Josh Hartline
August 11, 2025
Scrappy is a loving Christian, mentor to young men, a devoted Airman who loved the United States, and to me a great friend who treated me like his Grandson. He Thank you for sharing him with us!
Leland Campbell
August 11, 2025
God Bless the O´Leary family.
PHIL ODOM
August 8, 2025
A SLOW SALUTE - TO A FELLOW VETERAN AND A NATIONAL HERO
THANK YOU - FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY.
We will remember you always and miss you dearly.
Take your Warrior's rest for a duty well done.
For the Family:
Even though I've never met your loved one,
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy for your loss.
May the force of GOD be with you as you walk through this difficult time.
May the loving promises of our LORD and Savior comfort you
and give you peace and understanding.
As a grateful Veteran, I hope you accept this as a small token of appreciation
for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one to our Country.
SEMPER FI
SGT. PHIL ODOM
FOX CO. WEAPONS PLATOON
2ND BATTALION/1ST MARINES
U. S. MARINE CORPS
AND VIETNAM VET
[email protected]
"For those who fought for it, Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know"
How you can show support
Notify Me
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas O'Leary's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas O'Leary
Funeral services provided by:
Moll Funeral Home - Mascoutah34 W Main Street P. O. Box 155, Mascoutah, IL 62258
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas O'Leary's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
