Thomas Edward Gibbons

Thomas Edward Gibbons, 92 of Iola passed away Monday November 21, 2022 at 11:37am. Tom’s final days were spent surrounded by his family who he loved so very much. 

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 26, 2022 at Pagel Funeral Homes in Edgewood with visitation from10:00 am to 1:00pm before the service.  Rev. Mike Durre will be officiating.  Interment will follow at Keen’s Chapel Cemetery. Memorials may be made to HSHS Hospice or the donor’s choice.  

Tom was born on April 11, 1930 in Hamilton, Montana, the son of James and Audrey Gibbons.  He was raised by his dad and stepmom, Iris Gibbons, first in Montana then moving to Illinois in 1939.  He married Anna (Tuddie) Reuter on October 28, 1950 in Effingham, Illinois.

Tom worked at Fedders in Effingham from 1947 to 1995 during which time he was 2nd shift Plant Supervisor.  He was also a lifelong farmer in the Iola area. This harvest was the first time in 80 years he was unable to actively participate. In addition to working his entire life, he loved to spend some of his leisure time playing softball and basketball in independent leagues.   He was a basketball coach at Iola Grade School and refereed area games. He also served on the Iola School Board.

Tom is survived by his four children, Gail (John) Bailey of Iola, IL, Karen (Robert) Probst of Watson, IL, Jim (Rosie) Gibbons of Edgewood, IL and Karla (Joe) Shaffer, of St. Joseph, IL;  11 grandchildren, Tina Olszewski, Chad Bailey, Megan Rieman, Justin Probst, Emily Lotz, Tom Gibbons,  Joe Gibbons, Amanda Rieman, Sarah Terry, Kelly Baker, and Jessie Larimore; 23 great grandchildren, Brandy Johnson, Trevor and Madelyn Rieman, Ashley and Kat Owen, Claire and Garrett Bailey, Kyler, Kaleb, and Kasen Venable, Andrew, Evan and Aleece Lotz, James and Eva Gibbons, Anna, Taylor and Hank Rieman, Kara, Megan, Madison and Wyatt Long, and Drew Larimore; five great-great grandchildren, Jackson Shaffer, Ayla Johnson, Kolton Krone, Hunter McAuley, and baby Johnson due in December; half-brother, George (Connie) Bacerra of Temescal Valley, CA; sister-in-law, Alice Britton of Iola, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Anna; parents, James and Iris Gibbons and Audrey Bacerra; brother, Jerry Gibbons; half-brothers, Ralph, Fred, and Phillip Bacerra; half-sister, Jo Ann Lee.

Tom was a loved and respected role model for five generations of his family.

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