Thomas G Walsh Sr.
On Monday, February 1, 2021, Thomas G Walsh, of Cahokia, IL, loving husband,
father, grandfather, great-grandfather, father-in-law, Godfather, uncle, cousin and
friend to many, passed away at the age of 93.
Tom was born May 30, 1927 in St. Louis, MO. He was a World War II veteran in the
Army Air Corps, a professional cartographer at Defense Mapping Agency for over 30
years and was also a very talented artist.
He married Helen Edwina Parmer in 1949 and together they raised five children;
Tom Jr., Nancy, Jim, Jane and Peg. Tom and Helen were very happily married
for 64 years.
Tom was preceded in death by daughter Nancy (Walsh) Frizzell, wife Helen
(Parmer) Walsh, mother and father Edwin Aloysious and Helen Frances (Brady)
Walsh, sister Theresa, brothers Ed and Reverend Larry Walsh, and
brother-in-law Al Book.
He is survived by his children; Tom Jr. (Roxanne) Walsh, Springfield, MO, Jim (Mary)
Walsh, Imperial, MO, Jane (Fred) Fournie, Belleville, IL, Peg (Dale) Sandheinrich,
Columbia, IL; sister Eileen (Al) Book, St. Louis; grandchildren Timaree (Eric) Sorlie,
Nixa, MO, Zachary (Erin) Walsh, Kirkwood, MO, Tom Fournie (fiancée Susie
Leonard), Alton, IL; great grandchildren Kian, Beckett, Malin and Locke Sorlie,
Harper Walsh; niece, nephews and cousins.
Tom was an active and devoted member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Cahokia, IL.
He was a parish trustee for many years and served on numerous parish councils and
committees. When help was needed, Tom stepped up. From ushering at Mass, being
a Eucharistic minister and counting the Sunday collection, to calling bingo (with his
signature "B-2" call), even painting parish event signs, lettering the school bus
and trimming the bushes. He single-handedly stained the exterior of the historic
log church.
Family was important to Tom. He always made time for his kids, offering direction,
encouragement and support. He [and Helen] always made sure the kids were doing
well. He also enjoyed his grandkids and great grandkids, joking around, playing
games or just talking. The Father's Day Golf Tournament and the Day-after-
Christmas Bowling Tournament were family traditions that always made for fun
times together and great stories. His family brought him great joy.
Tom was never one to just sit around. If not involved with his kids, he would
be working around the house, cutting grass, sculpting the shrubs, or washing a
driveway full of cars. He was also known to rake the rock driveway (very Zen).
Tom enjoyed listening to St. Louis Cardinals games, being outdoors, playing catch
with his kids, pitching horseshoes, golf, tennis, walking (for miles) or just enjoying
the warmth of the sun while sitting in his lawn chair.
Tom was a humble man. Never one for the spotlight, he enjoyed helping others
shine. He had a quick wit and a great sense of humor. His love and devotion to his
wife and family has made an indelible mark on all those who carry on his legacy. He
will be greatly missed by his family, but his example will endure for generations.
Visitation on Thursday, Feb 11 at 11AM followed by the Funeral Mass at Noon
at Holy Family Catholic Church, Cahokia, IL
Due to COVID protocols a private family burial will be held at Jefferson Barracks
National Cemetery following the Mass.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at St. Paul's Senior Community
and Hospice of Southern Illinois (South Orange Team) for their kindness and caring
attention during Tom's final months.
Donations may be made to:
• Holy Family Church, 116 Church Street, Cahokia, IL 62206
• Hospice of Southern Illinois, 305 S. Illinois Street, Belleville, IL 62220-2159,
(South Orange Team)
• St. Vincent de Paul Society Belleville Council, 8800 W. Main St., Belleville, IL 62223