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Thomas Acker
1931 - 2021
Thomas Acker
1931 - 2021
Obituary
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BORN
1931
DIED
2021
Thomas Acker Obituary
ALTON — Thomas J. Acker, 89, of Alton, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021 with his family and at his beloved home after a long illness.
He was born on Oct. 11, 1931 in Bridgeton, New Jersey. He was the son of F. Thomas Acker and Freda (Schulz) Acker.
Tom married the former Barbara Kimbro on Nov. 12, 1955 at St. Mary's Catholic Church by Monsignor Suddes and they have been blessed with over 65 years of marriage.
He was a graduate of St. Mary's Catholic School in Alton, Saint Bede Academy in Peru, Illinois, and Shurtleff College in Alton.
He served in the U.S. Army 504th Field Artillery Battalion in Panama from 1953 to 1955.
Tom worked for over 38 years in the automotive industry, retiring in 1996 from Chrysler Corporation and previous to that at American Motors Corporation as a district sales and service manager.
He has been a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church for over 50 years and was a long-time member and past officer at the Alton Knights of Columbus Council #460.
Tom was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, son and friend.
He loved anything with a motor and took pride in the appearance of his home, especially his lawn!
Tom is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Ann Calandro of Hot Springs, Arkansas; son, Thomas Acker of Alton; two grand daughters, Dr. Lauren Christiansen of St. Louis, Missouri, and Katherine Calandro of Hot Springs, Arkansas; sisters-in-law, Myrna (Harold) Hart, Nancy (Fred) Haney, Sharon Kadell, Anita (Larry) Lipe, and Sally Elliott; along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, Nelson Steiner, Mike Kadell, and Mike Elliott; and sister-in-law, Wanda Steiner.
We would like to thank all of the nurses with OSF St. Anthony's Hospice.
In particular, nurse Jodi Cole for her caring, guidance, friendship and support over the last 19 months.
A Memorial Mass officiated by Father Steven Janoski will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey, Illinois, following COVID-19 guidelines and regulations.
Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Alton with full military honors.
Memorials may be made to St. Bede Academy.
Gent Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online guestbook may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
A friend
February 9, 2022
I´m sad to have just now learned of the passing of my friend Tom´s father. Being in the presence of Mr. and Mrs. Acker was always a mesmerizing experience for me. The love, devotion, and peacefulness of their relationship was palpable. One time when I remarked on the gentle nature of their relationship, Mr. Acker, told me, "Well, a good marriage is like a car." As he was actually cleaning his vehicle, with a kind and knowing smile he continued, "You have to put in a little work every now and then to maintain it." The genuineness of that moment and his simple yet profound advice stayed with me throughout my life and helped me see important things on numerous occasions. It was obvious both he and Mrs. Acker did the maintenance work and the benefits flowed to everyone around them. Such a gentle man who knew the importance of relationships. Peace to his family and to everyone who knew him.
joseph b ritter
February 27, 2021
Tom was a great guy, loved dealing with him when he worked for the Old
and great Chrysler Corp..
Ritter Family
Joe and Mary Johnston
February 27, 2021
Tom...we are so sorry for the loss of your father for both you and your family. He could not have asked for a more devoted son...
Joe and Mary Johnston
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Dr.Norman Martinez
February 24, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Susan Hart-Landon
February 22, 2021
I cannot remember a time, when the family was together, without our family historian, Uncle Tom Acker. We always knew, if there was a get together with the Kimbros, Uncle Tom would be there to capture all the special moments with the latest and greatest photography capturing device. I remember the flash bulbs, the the Polaroid's, the hot off the press video equipment, and finally the digital world of both stills and action. Because of Tom, there is hardly a moment of our lives that are not captured for the ages - the good, the bad and the ugly. :-) Forever in our Hearts!
Ann Morrissey
February 22, 2021
Tom,
I am sorry to hear of your father's passing. I hope you find comfort in the many happy memories shared together. Rest in Peace, Mr. Acker.
Love,
Ann Morrissey
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2409 State Street, Alton, IL 62002
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