Thomas J. McFarland

He was born on Jan. 11, 1949 in Estelline, South Dakota to Harold and Doris McFarland. He married Judy L. Anderson on September 4, 1971. He is survived by his wife Judy, one daughter, Crystal (Troy) Parker of Dunlap; and one granddaughter, Callie, his mother, Doris McFarland of Watertown, South Dakota; two sisters, Bonita (Billy) Graham of McAlester, Oklahoma, Sherry (Dean) Buetow of Watertown, South Dakota; one brother Gary (Shirley) McFarland of Watertown, South Dakota. He was preceded in death by his father.

He graduated from South Dakota State University in May 1972 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He worked for Scott Engineering in Watertown, South Dakota from 1972 to 1975. He moved to East Peoria in 1975 to begin his career of 36 years at Peoria County Highway Dept. and retired in May 2011 as the County Engineer. He was a Licensed Professional Engineer and Licensed Land Surveyor. He was a member of the National Association of County Engineers, Illinois Association of County Engineers, American Public Works Association, American Society of Civil Engineers. He was also the Secretary/Treasurer of the District 4 County Engineers.

He was a member of the United States Army Reserves last serving as the Company Commander of the 7241h Transportation Unit achieving tThomas J. McFarland, 62, of Bartonville, formerly of East Peoria, passed away at his home on June 10, 2011 surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

He was born on Jan. 11, 1949 in Estelline, South Dakota to Harold and Doris McFarland. He married Judy L. Anderson on September 4, 1971. He is survived by his wife Judy, one daughter, Crystal (Troy) Parker of Dunlap; and one granddaughter, Callie, his mother, Doris McFarland of Watertown, South Dakota; two sisters, Bonita (Billy) Graham of McAlester, Oklahoma, Sherry (Dean) Buetow of Watertown, South Dakota; one brother Gary (Shirley) McFarland of Watertown, South Dakota. He was preceded in death by his father.

He graduated from South Dakota State University in May 1972 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He worked for Scott Engineering in Watertown, South Dakota from 1972 to 1975. He moved to East Peoria in 1975 to begin his career of 36 years at Peoria County Highway Dept. and retired in May 2011 as the County Engineer. He was a Licensed Professional Engineer and Licensed Land Surveyor. He was a member of the National Association of County Engineers, Illinois Association of County Engineers, American Public Works Association, American Society of Civil Engineers. He was also the Secretary/Treasurer of the District 4 County Engineers.

He was a member of the United States Army Reserves last serving as the Company Commander of the 7241h Transportation he rank of Major.

Thomas was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. The greatest joy was being with his granddaughter whom she called "Papa".

He was a member of the Peoria Heights Congregational Church where services will be held on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior to the service. The Pastor Karl Kraemer will officiate. Burial will be at Swan Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2011 from 5 to 8 pm at the Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-¬Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria.

Memorials may be made the Methodist Hospice Services, American Cancer Society, or Peoria Heights Congregational Church.