Harold Thomas "Tom" Jefferson

1944 - 2025

Harold Thomas "Tom" Jefferson

December 21, 1944 - November 12, 2025

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025, at the age of 80. Born in Normal, Illinois, on December 21, 1944, to Delmar Jefferson and Margaret Shepherd Jefferson, Tom lived a life of integrity, faith, and devotion to those he loved. On February 13, 1965, he married Carol DiAnne Hubert in Bloomington.

He is survived by his wife, DiAnne Jefferson; daughter, Michelle Fryer (husband, Mike Fryer); son, Todd Jefferson; and grandchildren: Chris Fryer (Haley), Danielle Jefferson (fiancé, Luke Wielgopolan), Casey Hunt (Noah), and Joseph Jefferson. He was proud to be a great-grandfather to Jack Jefferson and Eden Fryer. Tom is also remembered by Maggie McNamee Jefferson, mother of Danielle, Casey, and Joseph, who was like a daughter to him.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Dean Jefferson; and his sister, Anne Millard.

Tom began his career in advertising at the Pantagraph, later served as office manager at Hermes Service and Sales and dedicated over 40 years to the McLean County Merit Commission.

His faith was central to his life. Tom was active in Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) and Cursillo, serving several years as Lay Director of TEC. He was a longtime member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Tom was one of five original members of a Cursillo reunion group that began meeting in 1974. In recent years, only Tom and Tom Spicer of Bloomington remained, making it the longest running group in local Cursillo history-a testament to their faith and friendship.

Tom's absolute joy was his grandchildren. He was their biggest supporter, cheering from the ballfield bleachers, applauding in the concert hall, and encouraging them in all their endeavors. His pride and love for them were evident in every moment spent together, and his presence brought warmth and happiness to their lives. Tom also enjoyed watching car races and cheering for the Chicago Cubs.

Visitation will be held on November 24, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Carmody Flynn Funeral Home in Bloomington, IL. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bloomington on November 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Christian Campus House at Eastern Illinois University and sent to CCH, 2231 4th St., Charleston, IL 61920 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Online condolences can be left at www.carmodyflynn.com.