Tom Noel

Thomas J. Noel, 72, of Kewanee, died peacefully at 9:40 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2013 at his home. Tom was born March 12, 1941 in Monmouth, IL the son of Kenneth W. and Helen (Quinn) Noel. Growing up the third oldest in a family of 12 children taught Tom the value of hard work, education and the importance of family. He graduated in 1959 from Monmouth High School and later completed various technical classes including truck driving and welding- which he excelled at. Tom also proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. On January 23, 1975, Tom met Ona (Borg) and the two were married just 22 days later, on Valentine's Day. He died holding her hand 38 years later. He worked for Illinois Power Company for 15 years and then started a career of 13 years in lawn care, working mostly for Tru-Green. He later went on to work at various other local businesses and in 2005 joined the staff of Schupbach-Streitmatter Propane in Wyoming, IL.

Tom was a former IHSA basketball referee and volunteer wrestling coach for Monmouth and Galva High Schools. He loved sports and enjoyed watching them in person and on t.v. He also had a passion for classic cars and racing and even did a little racing in his younger years. However, Tom's greatest thrill was spending time with his family. He was the epitome of a great husband, father and grandpa.

He was preceded in death by his son, Brent A. Noel; his parents; and two brothers, Kenny and Donnie Noel. He is survived by his wife, Ona R. Noel of Kewanee; three daughters, Leah Noel (Kim Recker) of Waverly, IA, Shana (Chad) DeVerger of East Peoria, and Brandi (Charles) Klughart of Springfield; a granddaughter, Sofia DeVerger of East Peoria; nine siblings, Dave (Carolyn) Noel, Bill (Theresa) Noel, Mike (Shirley) Noel all of Monmouth, Bob Noel of Norridge, Denny (Missy) Noel, and Laurie Noel both of Monmouth, Jeff Noel of La Harpe, Ed Noel of Chicago, and Lisa Noel (Tim Gould) of Galesburg; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at Knights of Columbus Hall, 200 S. Sunny Lane, Monmouth, IL.

Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center following visitation.

Memorial Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at Monmouth Foursquare Church, 201 E. 2nd Ave., Monmouth, IL, with Rev. Donnie Watson officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family. An online contribution site has been established at www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/ymm2/teamtom.