Peoria – Thomas L. Johnson, 86, a lifelong Peorian, passed away at his home in Peoria on Saturday morning, March 9, 2013. He was born January 21, 1927 in Peoria to Chester Thomas and Frances M. (Butler) Johnson. He married Emily “Jean” Alfs on April 22, 1951 at Hale Memorial Church in Peoria.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Charles B. Johnson. He is survived by his wife Emily “Jean” of Peoria; three children Phillip (Catherine) Johnson of Elmwood, Jual (Randy) Markillie and Jeffrey Johnson both of Peoria; four grandchildren Jessica Johnson, Katrina (Nicholas) Craven, Benjamin Johnson and Robert Thomas Johnson all of Elmwood; two great grandchildren Elyse and Anika Craven both of Elmwood; and one brother H. William (Fran) Johnson of Murfreesboro, TN.
Tom was retired from Springfield Electric Supply Company, and was formerly President and Owner of Peoria Lighting Center.
In January 1945, Tom enlisted in the Navy on his 18th birthday. He was an active member on Forrest Hill United Methodist Church for 45 years and served the church in many capacities. In his teens, Tom was an early member of the Willow Knolls Country Club and taught youth swimming and served as a lifeguard for the former YMCA. In the 50’s, he worked diligently with the Jaycees for the establishment of the new YMCA facilities. He continued to be actively involved in youth sports programs in the 60’s and 70’s and was instrumental in moving the Little League Association program from Woodruff Field up to the Von Steuben field, following the death of a young boy riding his bicycle down Abington Hill on the way to baseball practice.
During his retirement years, Tom enjoyed three areas of relaxation and recreation: music, sports, and American history. He could often be found in Barnes & Noble reading historical events about the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln, or studying baseball statistics about his favorite team, the Chicago White Sox. Tom’s love of music was widespread but he particularly enjoyed Jazz. He served as a board member for the Central Illinois Jazz Society and played a key role in bringing the annual Summer Jazz Festival to Peoria’s Riverfront in the 90’s. Tom and his wife of almost 62 years built a life together blessed with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom have been an integral part of their lives.
Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the Forrest Hill United Methodist Church. Rev. Jim Reynolds will officiate. A visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM on Tuesday evening March 12, 2013, at the Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. Burial will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria. Memorials may be made to Forrest Hill United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association of Central Illinois. On-line condolences and tributes may be made at www.woolsey-wilton.com.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18