John Thomas "Tom" Barnes

John Thomas "Tom" Barnes, 90, of Sparland Illinois, died on July 15, 2023, at Henry Nursing and Rehab in Henry Illinois. Born on March 21, 1933 in Peoria, Illinois to the Late Bernard and Mary (McIntyre) Barnes.  He married Angeline Gries on June 11, 1960 in Camp Grove Illinois. 

Tom was raised in Wyoming, Illinois on the family farm.  He was the 1951 Illinois State Fair  Blue Ribbon cattle showing champion, with his white/faced Hereford, Brandy Boy.   He was a master gardener, known by his neighbors as Tomato Tom. He especially enjoyed giving away the fruits of his labor to family, friends and neighbors. An avid league bowler, he participated in The Petersen Classic Bowling Tournament, in Chicago, Illinois for many years.  He loved collecting tools, going to auctions, stamp collecting, and had a very large baseball card collection.  He  excelled at refurbishing Keen Kutter tools and planes. A skilled woodworker, he enjoyed making crafts with his wife, and selling them locally.  His greatest joy was attending his grandchildren's sports and school activities.

Tom served his country in the Army during the Korean Conflict.  After leaving the service he worked in Chicago Illinois at Midway Airport for North Central Airlines.  He then transferred to Manistee Blacker Airport, in Manistee, Michigan.  After 10 years of service, he worked at Packaging Corporation of America, and then Excello Michigan Tool as a timekeeper.  In 1981 he moved his family back to Sparland, Illinois where he finished his working career at Immaculate Conception Church, retiring in 1998.

Tom was a long time member of The Knights of Columbus; The American Legion; The Fraternal Order of the Eagles; and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. 

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Angie; and a brother, Francis Barnes, of Wyoming, Illinois.   He is survived by two sisters, JoAnn (Robert) Palmer, of Lombard, Illinois; and Catherine (Lee) Aldridge, of Sullivan, Illinois.  Four children, Cathy (Ronald) Baker, of Manistee Michigan; Michael (Susan) Barnes of Woodland Park, Colorado;  Patricia (David) Williams of Canton, Illinois; and Susan Burr of Sparland, Illinois.  He was also the proud grandpa of 9 grandchildren, Abby Ball, Kelli O'Hara, Lucas Burr, Frank Baker, Kaylee Barnes, Josh Barnes, Ben Williams, Ryan Williams, Robbie Williams.  Along with 2 great grandchildren, Merrick Ball and Nicholas Williams.  

Mass will be held on Thursday, July 20 at 11am at the Immaculate Conception Church in Lacon Illinois with visitation held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Saint Dominic cemetery in Wyoming. Memorials can be made for Masses or to the American Legion and online condolences can be left at lenzmemorialhome.com.