Thomas "Tom" Lynn Hall

Tom was born to Don & Wilma Hall on June 15, 1943 in Decatur, IL. He grew up in Cisco, IL and graduated from Monticello High School in 1961. Two months later, Tom married his high school sweetheart, Sunny Strohl, on Aug. 18. The couple attended Eastern Illinois University, and Tom graduated in 1965 with a bachelor of science in education. Tom went on to earn a master’s in education in 1969.

Throughout his career in education, Tom was a teacher, coach, and administrator. His passion for sports led him to coach basketball and golf for several years. After earning an MBA from Milliken University, Tom switched over to banking where he worked for nearly three decades.

Tom always put his family first and treasured his beautiful wife. Tom was also a kind, loving, and supportive father of two -- Amy & Craig. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, boating, hunting, and fishing with his friends. In 1978, the family moved from Illinois to Arizona where Tom continued his banking career, working for Norwest, Liberty Bank, and Wells Fargo. He retired from Wells Fargo in 2005 at the age of 62.

Tom spent his retirement playing golf, riding horses, and watching his grandsons play sports. In everything, his loving, dedicated wife was by his side. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on Oct. 6, he faced his diagnosis with strength, grace, and dignity.

Thanks to Hospice of the Valley, Tom spent his remaining time at home surrounded by his wife, children, and beloved grandchildren. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Donna. He is survived by his children Amy (Shannon) Opitz, Craig (Heather) Hall, and grandsons: Nick Opitz (27), Nolan Opitz (20), Caden Hall (18), Carson Opitz (17), Carson Hall (16), and Parker Opitz (11).

A Celebration of Life for Tom and Sunny will be held at Santisi Brothers Pizzeria & Sports Grill, 2710 W Bell Rd. in Phoenix, AZ, on Dec. 15 from 1-4 p.m