Obituaries

Thomas F. France, Jr.

July 7th, 1938 – February 3rd, 2018

Thomas F. France, Jr., 79, of Galesburg, IL, passed away at 12:44 pm on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Cottage Hospital Emergency Room in Galesburg. He was born on Thursday, July 7, 1938 in Canton, IL, the son of Thomas and Mildred (Hamm) France.

Survivors include his 2 daughters, Melinda (and Naji) France Al Jabry of Minnesota and Tammy (and Thomas) France Boyer of California, grandson, Henry Boyer, sister, Mary Katherine France of Gold Canyon, AZ, brother, Phil (and Betty) France of Janesville, WI, 3 nephews, Jim (and Teresa) France, Kipper (and Betsy) France and Jason (and Michelle) France, 2 nieces, Michelle (and Brian) Scott and Dana (and Justin) McCarthy.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Donald France, and an infant sister Norma Jean France.

Thomas graduated from Cuba High School in 1956. He attended Western Illinois before joining the US Army in 1957, serving until 1959.

He worked at Hiram Walker in Peoria. He moved to Wisconsin and worked at Beloit Corporation before moving again to work at 3M in St. Paul, Minnesota. He enjoyed helping cousin, Greg Deakin, with his sheep and accompanying him on road trips. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing along with singing in a barbershop quartet.

Services will be held on 11 am on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, IL. Pastor Doug Krukewitt will be officiating. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Interment will be in the Ipava Cemetery in Ipava, IL with Military Rites provided by the Ipava American Legion. Memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

Condolences

February 6th, 2018

I have so many great memories of Tommy, aka the Mayor, Squire. He was so talented & could fix just about anything mechanical or electrical. I could count on Tommy to help me out on the farm even fixing fence, combining or driving tractor as 60 & 70 year olds. Family dinners for birthdays or special occasions were a treat when Tommy came. Loved his perspectives, insights and conversations. He was a good guy. Kathy and I will miss Tommy.

February 6th, 2018

I met Tommy only a few years ago when "Aunt Norma," Reita & I would meet him for our once a month lunches in Galesburg. I always enjoyed our conversations and his insightful opinions. He will be missed. The Rev. Deacon Barbara Sinclair