Tom DeClerck, 72 of Stonington, IL, passed away on Monday, June 5, 2023, at his residence. He was born on August 15, 1950, in Taylorville, IL, the son of Charles Edward DeClerck and Dolores I. (Rentfrow) DeClerck. He married Tracy Bankson on September 10, 1969, and she survives.
Tom was a lifelong farmer of Stonington. He was a pioneer in the modified division as a tractor puller and loved nothing more than meeting new people and spending time with old friends. Tom was an extremely involved community member and looked for ways to support any way he could. He was a proud supporter of the FFA and Children’s Shriners Hospital. He was a member of the Christian County Fair Board, ITPA and NTPA. Along with his involvement locally, he was awarded the prestigious honor of being named a Kentucky Colonel.
He is survived by his wife: Tracy DeClerck of Stonington, IL; children: Trent (Wendy) DeClerck of Stonington, IL; Travis (L.E.) DeClerck of Frisco, CO; Treena (Kevin) Brown of Stonington, IL; grandchildren: Drew (Dallas) DeClerck; Lance DeClerck; Lacey DeClerck; Avery DeClerck; Olin DeClerck; Keaton Tucker; Dylan Brown; Tyler Brown; sister: Janet DeClerck of Taylorville, IL; sister-in-law: Marnie (Rick) Beebe of Wisconsin; niece: Charlee Kocurek of Taylorville, IL; nephew: Kyle (Jessica) Kocurek of Edinburg, IL; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents: Charles and Dolores DeClerck; nephew: Stephen Kocurek Jr.; father-in-law: Robert Bankson; mother-in-law: Phyllis (Tom) Ponting; and his brother-in-law: Perry Bankson.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 8, 2023, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville, IL. A funeral service will begin at 5:00 p.m. with Sister Rose McKeown officiating. Interment will follow at Ponting Cemetery in Stonington, IL.
Memorials in Tom’s honor may be made to Taylorville FFA or Shriners Hospital for Children.
Sutton Memorial Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at suttonmemorialhome.com
