Thomas "Tom" Jones

Thomas Gordon "Tom" Jones of Howell, MI, and originally of Harvard, IL, passed away on Sunday, June 1, at the age of 80. He is survived by Carolyn, his wife of over 57 years; sons Thomas "Tom/Tommy" (Kris) of Omaha, NE, and Scott (Jen) of Howell, MI; granddaughters Sara (Mike) and Aby; great grandson Eli; grandpups Rufus, Lily, and Ozzy; sister Linnea (Steve); siblings-in-law Anita, Linda, and Rick (Sue); and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Doris; brothers, Bill and John; parents-in-law Clarence and Jean; brothers-in-law, Bob and Jim; and sisters-in-law Debbie and Gayle.

Living more than 50 years of his life in Harvard, Tom truly loved the community that raised him where everyone in town was a "neighbor." Throughout that time he was active in the community first as a boy scout and later in life as a paramedic on the Harvard volunteer Rescue Squad, little league coach, high school football and baseball official, member of the football chain crew, and member of the Moose Lodge. He was a lifelong member of the Havard First Presbyterian Church even in his later years when he had moved away.

Tom's professional life had many iterations: paperboy, milkman, and real estate agent just to name a few. However, the vast majority (36 years!) of his career was spent with the railroad--first the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad and later with the Union Pacific. His work life flowed into his personal life as he developed and sustained a passion for trains and the railroad. Even after retiring he loved sharing his experiences with anyone who asked.

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and uncle, Tom loved his family and friends deeply. He is probably best known for having never met a stranger whether it was the grocery store, gas station, Six Flags roller coaster queue, or packed tourist attraction. He loved music, westerns (books and movies), baseball (Go Cubs!), football (Da Bears), the College World Series (baseball and softball), golf, bowling, fishing, and road trips.

A memorial service for Tom will be held at Harvard First Presbyterian Church (7100 Harvard Hill Road / Harvard, IL) at 11:30am on Tuesday, July 8, with a visitation from 9:30-11:30am. A luncheon at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church (504 E. Diggins Street / Harvard, IL) will follow the service. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to The Shriner's Children's Hospital or Harvard First Presbyterian Church.