1930
2020
ALTON — Thomas Anthony Papin, 90, of Godfrey, loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend passed away Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at St. Anthony Health Center in Alton.
Tom was born on July 2, 1930, in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, the son of Alfred and Catherine (Caffrey) Papin where he grew up with 6 brothers. He attended Valle Grade School and graduated from Ste. Genevieve High School in 1948. Following high school, Tom served four years in the United States Navy during the Korean War where he enjoyed traveling around the world as well as playing basketball on the Navy team. Upon discharge from the U.S. Navy, Tom attended and graduated from University of Missouri-Rolla with a degree in Ceramics Engineering.
Upon graduation from college, Tom began working for Owens-Illinois Glass Company in Alton, where he met and fell in love with Mary Brueggeman. They married on May 21, 1966 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Alton. He worked so closely with their then client, Anheuser Busch, they eventually invited him to come work for them in St. Louis in their quality control department where he later retired. Tom was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church where he was an Extraordinary Minister, usher, greeter, parish council, and basketball coach at many of the area catholic schools; and member of the American Legion in Ste. Genevieve.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Mary, of Godfrey; their children Ann Marie (Tony) Mormino of Yorkville, Illinois, Lisa (Ted) Critchfield of Grafton, and Steven (Jennifer) Papin of Godfrey, his brothers Marvin (Pete) (Carol) Papin of Ste. Genevieve and Eugene (Kathy) Papin of Bryan, Ohio, and sister JoAnn (Gary) Alms of Chester; sisters-in-law Rosie (Jack) Brueggeman of Alton and Marie (Melvin) Papin of Ste., Genevieve; grandchildren Madeleine, Alex and Nicholas Mormino; Tanner, Samantha (Zachary) Hausman, and Brandon Critchfield; Emily, Joseph and Betsy Papin, along with numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Adrian, Justin, James, Melvin, and Thomas M. Papin and infant sister, brothers and sisters-in-law Loretta (Frank) Allen, Marcella (Harold) Swinney, Mark (Geri) Brueggeman, Honora (Ed) Brunner, Josephine and Robert Brueggeman.
Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey are entrusted with professional services.
A Memorial Mass will be 10 a.m. Saturday, April 17, 2021 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey.
Interment will immediately follow at St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery in Godfrey. VFW Post 1308 will perform Military Rites.
Memorials may be made to St. Ambrose Catholic School, Godfrey, Valle Schools Foundation, Ste. Genevieve or your local Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter.
Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
John Waters
April 3, 2022
Tom was a really good man and father. He was always giving back to his community. RIP. Prayers
John Waters
April 11, 2021
Tom was a great dad and a fine man. Prayers for this wonderful family. RIP
Patrick Brueggeman
April 11, 2021
May God bless you and keep you in his divine love for eternity. Love, your nephew Patrick, Signorella and Family.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Funeral services provided by:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home - Godfrey1313 W Delmar Ave, Godfrey, IL 62035

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more