Thomas Saenz, Sr.

Thomas Saenz, Sr, age 92, of Savanna, IL passed away surrounded with love and his devoted wife by his side, December 24, 2025 at FHN hospital in Freeport, IL. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 5, 2025 at Law-Jones Funeral Home in Savanna, IL. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., before the service. Burial will follow at Savanna Township Cemetery.

Born on August 11, 1933 in McAllen, TX, Thomas was the son of Daniel and Hipolita (De La Garza) Saenz, Sr. He attended Pharr San Juan Alamo High School in Pharr, Tx but left early to enlist in the U.S. Army at the age of 17. Thomas served honorably as a combat medic during the Korean War, extending his service by an additional year to earn a legal honorable discharge, due to his early enlistment. His time in the Army shaped him into the man he became.

After returning home, Thomas met the love of his life, Emilia Morales, while spending time with her brother. It was love at first sight and they were married on March 15, 1957. Together they raised seven children. Thomas and Emilia moved from Texas to the Chicago area where he worked at Western Electric in Cicero, IL. They later settled in Romeoville, IL before returning briefly to McAllen, TX. Ever committed to providing for his family, Thomas accepted a job with 3M in Cordova, IL. He bought a home and finally settled in Savanna, IL to raise his family.

Not only was Thomas an honorable soldier, he was also an honorable veteran. After retiring from 3M, he embraced the opportunity to travel with Emilia to many prominent places in the U.S. for Korean War reunions, reconnecting with his platoon. He also served in many local and McAllen military funerals and fundraisers. He was a proud member of the VFW.

Thomas was a devoted husband, father, grand and great grandfather and “tio”, mentoring nieces and nephews, as if they were his own. He cherished his time with his grandchildren. Affectionate and playful, he delighted in making lasting memories with them all, taking them to Adventureland, fishing or even a simple trip to “Mick and Donald’s “.

He will be dearly missed and always loved. He is survived by his beloved wife, Emilia; children, Belinda Saenz, of Savanna, Thomas Saenz, Jr., of Tulsa, OK, Ruben Saenz, of Freeport, IL, Raquel (Dalen) Dreyer, of Stockton, IL, and Samuel (Michelle) Saenz, of Chicago, IL; 13 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Hipolita Saenz, son, Robert Saenz, daughter, Rebecca (Steven) Green, granddaughter, Carmen Dreyer, sister Christina (Louis) Riojas and brother, Daniel Saenz, Jr.