William Thomas “Tom” Greenwood, 83, of Taylorville, passed away at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at his residence.
Tom was born October 16, 1938 in Kankakee, the son of William Fredrick Greenwood and Gertrude Updegraff. He married Mary Ellen Essington on June 29, 1963 at the Buckingham Methodist Church. They enjoyed nearly 58 years of marriage. She preceded him in death on April 13, 2021.
Tom graduated from Taylorville High School with the Class of 1956 and joined the Marine Corps June 27th of the same year, where he served as a hydraulics engineer working on amphibious equipment. After his time in the service he worked at Caterpillar, in Joliet, where he retired after 40 years. After their retirement, Tom and Mary moved from Bourbonnais, IL to the Taylorville area.
Tom enjoyed spending time in his yard, gardening, tending to flowers and feeding birds. Once a month he liked to get together with several high school friends. Tom loved having pets, and over the years owned many dogs and cats. He also enjoyed taking his family on vacations around the United States. When he was younger, he enjoyed playing cards (Euchre & Pinochle), bowling, fishing, and reading the newspaper. He listened to country music and was never seen without a pipe or cigar.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Richard Roy; granddaughter, Brittany Blumenthal-Hines; and sister, Carole Ann Greenwood-Petros.
Tom is survived by his daughters, Cindy (husband, Joe) Blumenthal of Chicago, and Mary Beth (Jason Lindsey) Greenwood of Taylorville; son, Jason (Kelly Lash) Greenwood of Vandalia; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation & Funeral Ceremony: The family will receive guests from 10:00-12:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home, 202 W. Franklin Street, Taylorville, IL 62568. The funeral ceremony will follow the visitation at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Dayle Badman officiating.
Interment with military honors will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville.
Memorial contributions may be made to Tom’s family.
The family has entrusted Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home with ceremonies.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Tom, or offer condolences to his family.
