Thomas C., “Mr. Tom” Hurlburt, age 89, of St. Jacob, IL, formerly of O’Fallon, Il, born on July 12, 1935, in East St. Louis, IL died on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, O’Fallon, IL.
Mr. Tom led a full life. An altar boy at St. Elizabeth’s and St. Patrick’s Catholic churches in East St. Louis, Tom attended Clark Jr. High and East Side High School. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on his 18th birthday and was honorably discharged as a sergeant after serving four years.
After military service, Tom worked for Meyer Bros. Drug Company where he met the love of his life, Edna. Tom and Edna were married for 54 years. They owned and operated Your Friendly Painter for 34 years. Tom later worked as a school crossing guard for ten years.
Tom joined the Boy Scouts, Troop 435 as a scoutmaster in 1973 and was very active for 25 years, also serving as chairman of the Catholic Committee on Scouting. Tom was a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church since its beginning, where he met Fr. Bill Hitpas, whom he considered a true friend.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna Mae, nee Nauyok, Hurlburt; his son, Richard Hurlburt; his grandson, Dave Keeley; his parents, William E. and Ruth, nee Plappert, Hurlburt; and his siblings, Charles Hurlburt, Rose Boyd, and Shirley Taber.
Tom is survived by his children, Ruth (John) Keeley of Bethalto, IL, Arthur Hurlburt of Sullivan, MO, and John Hurlburt of St. Jacob, IL; two grandchildren, Anthony (Hye) Keeley, and Renee (Travis) Cummins; and three great grandchildren, Julia Cummins, Clark Cummins, and Colin Keeley.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or to Boys Town National Research Hospital.
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 9, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL.
Visitation will also be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, O’Fallon, IL.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, O’Fallon, IL, with Father George Mauck and Fr. Bill Hipas officiating. Interment will be at Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery, Collinsville, IL.
Tom loved to make people happy and made memories with many cherished friends in his lifetime. He has now reunited with his wife and best friend, Edna, many family members, and friends. “God bless you all and Semper Fi.”
