John "Tom" Walsh

1932 - 2024

MONTICELLO - John Thomas (Tom) Walsh of Monticello passed away Monday (July 22, 2024) at Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur.

Tom was born July 2, 1932, on the family farm in rural Ivesdale, to John and Marie (Wood) Walsh Sr.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Betty; wife Bev; brothers, Jack, Ray and George; and sisters Mary, Cilia and Catherine. 

Tom is survived by his sister Rita Henneberry of Kewanee and sons, Tony (Carol) of Centerville, Ohio, John (Robin) of Springfield, Bill (Darla) of Monticello, Rich (Annie) of Monticello, Jeff (Anita) of Hammond, Jim (Connie) of Cerro Gordo, Chris (Celine) of Effingham and Joe (Lori) of O'Fallon, Mo. Tom has 20 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

Tom attended high school at Atwood Hammond, where he graduated in 1950. He was a standout athlete for the Rajahs. Tom excelled at football and track. Tom's passion for sports extended to include horse racing and auto racing. He often told a story of being in victory lane following Bill Vukovich's Indianapolis 500 win. Tom cherished attending the Indianapolis 500 Time Trials with family and friends. He was an avid Illini fan as well as the Chicago Bears and St. Louis Cardinals.

Tom married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Jane Wier, and together they raised eight amazing sons. Tom enjoyed watching his sons play football. Often as a member of the chain gang at home games. He was very proud of his sons and their accomplishments.

Tom spent over 35 years as a farmer in Piatt County. He was an early adaptor of soil conservation practices. Tom was strong, and his farm feats earned him the nickname "Big T," which was used by his friends and family. Following his retirement, Tom enjoyed traveling and completed a bucket list trip to Alaska.

Tom loved to hang out with his sons and always had a sparkle in his eye for his daughters-in-law. He was quick with a hug, joke or jab to the Cubs. He will be missed by all.

Tom was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Philomena Catholic Church. He served as a member of the Cerro Gordo school board and as drainage ditch commissioner,

The family sends a special thank you to the Piatt County Nursing Home and nurses Samantha and Janet at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 31, at St. Philomena Catholic Church, Monticello. Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Cerro Gordo Township Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Piatt County Nursing Home or the Maple Point Foundation. Condolences may be sent to the family at mackey-wrightfuneralhome.com.