Thomas G. Wirth

Thomas George Wirth, 71, passed away on January 13, 2018. Tom was born on December 31, 1946, in Princeton, Indiana. He grew up on his parent’s farm near Mt. Carmel, Illinois. Tom had many fond memories of growing up there with his parents and brothers. Tom attended Mt. Carmel High School where he graduated in 1965. He was an all around athlete in high school while earning 11 varsity letters in 4 sports. In his senior year in football, he received numerous honors including being selected to the All Conference Team, the All Area Team, and the All State First Team. He was also honored as the Southern Illinois Player of the Year. Tom was awarded a football scholarship at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, where he played for four years and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing. He worked for the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration for 37 ½ years. Tom worked 5 years as a Caseworker in Vanderburgh County and 32 ½ years as a Hearings Officer / Administrative Law Judge with the Hearings and Appeals Division. In 2001, Tom was honored with an Exceptional Service Award by the Indiana FSSA for his efforts in developing and helping to implement computerized Hearing Decision Formats for his fellow workers. Tom enjoyed traveling and exploring new places with his wife. He loved spending time with his family. He adored his two grandchildren and delighted in playing / being with them. Tom had many special memories of being with his friends. He was an avid photographer and enjoyed taking pictures of everything from wildlife / nature, family, to sporting events. He also enjoyed playing golf, especially with his buddies. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Pauline Wirth, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois; sister, Norma Jean; and brother, Jerry, of Olney, Illinois. Tom is survived by his loving wife Jane, of 33 years; sons, Joe Gerard (Lisa Shade), of Crystal Lake, Illinois, Matt Gerard (Kelly), of Winters, California; two grandchildren, Paige and Isaac Gerard; three brothers, Paul Wirth (Carole), of Olney, Illinois, Jim Wirth (Shirley), of Hollister, Missouri, Lee Wirth (Donna), of Darien, Illinois; He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. A celebration of life service will be held at Alexander East Chapel 5:00 PM Saturday, March 17, 2018. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until service time with a reception immediately following. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or the Chemo Buddies at Oncology Hematology Associates in Evansville, Indiana.