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DIED
2026
Thomas Faller Obituary
Tom was born in Illinois and pursued his education with distinction. He attended Eastern Illinois University, where he was later inducted into the Lumpkin School of Business Hall of Fame. He went on to earn a master's degree in accounting from Indiana University.
A true entrepreneur, Tom began his career as a Certified Public Accountant in Charleston and Decatur, Illinois. His innovative spirit led him to own and operate diverse businesses, including life insurance, equipment leasing, nursing homes, real estate development, educational software, and early childhood development companies. He ultimately found his calling in community banking, where over more than 50 years he owned and led multiple banks across Illinois. He served proudly as Chairman Emeritus of Prairie State Bank & Trust.
In 1955, Tom married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Martha "Mickey" Finley. Their 63-year marriage was filled with devotion until Mickey's passing in 2018. Together they raised three children: Jill (Joseph) Hardy, Lyn (John) Vaughn, and Michael (Lynne) Faller. Tom was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren, whom he cherished deeply.
An avid Indiana University sports fan, Tom had a lifelong passion for IU basketball. He also loved sporting clays and his bird dogs. In his later years, he delighted in seeing Indiana University win the College Football National Championship-and on the very day he passed, the IU basketball team finally defeated Purdue, a fitting and joyful capstone to his devotion.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Tom's memory to AVOW Hospice (www.avowcares.org) in Naples, Florida, an organization that provided compassionate care during his final days.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Tom's remarkable life at a memorial service on Sunday, February 15th, from 1-4 PM at Illini Country Club in Springfield, Illinois.
2 Entries
Susan Swartz
February 4, 2026
Dear Jill, Lyn, and Michael
The Thom family would like to send you our deepest sympathy on the loss of your Dad. We have lots of wonderful memories of our times together in Decatur, Springfield and Treasure Island in Florida
Sincerely, Pat Thom, Kevin Thom, Susan Swartz, and Stacey Nyvall
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Dennis Rieken
February 3, 2026
I really appreciated working with Tom at Prescription Learning. I looked up to him as the ultimate example of what a businessman should be.
Dennis Rieken
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