Thomas Parker Strawn, 77 of Taylorville passed away April 17, 2025, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.
He was born June 2, 1947, in Springfield, the son of Herbert P. Strawn and Dorothy l. (Turley) Strawn. Thomas married Margaretha Clark on August 14, 1966, in Pawnee, Illinois, and she survives. Thomas attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science, as well as SIU Carbondale. After finishing college, Thomas served his apprenticeship as a funeral director and embalmer at Connolly Funeral Home in Taylorville. He later worked as a repairman at Commonwealth Edison for many years, until his retirement.
Thomas was a member of First United Methodist Church in Taylorville, a member of the Springfield & Central Illinois Trade and Labor Council, Past President of the Taylorville Chapter of Labor Council and a member of the Decatur Trade and Labor Council. He was also member of the Masonic Lodge Mound #122 AF&AM for over 50 years, a Life Member of Illinois State Rifle Association, Benefactor of the NRA, member of the Taylorville Rifle and Pistol Club and had 28 Years with IBEW #15. Thomas enjoyed many hobbies, including gardening, feeding & watching birds and squirrels, and crossbow deer hunting.
He is survived by his wife: Margaretha Strawn of Taylorville, Son: Thomas C Strawn of Taylorville and daughter: Amy M. Strawn of Springfield. Grandson: Marshal T. Strawn of Pana. Sister: Mary Erikson of Poplar Grove, Illinois. Nephew: Joel Davis, and many cousins.
Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and will now be joining his friend, Rev. Fr. Martin B Mangan – The Labor Priest, as well as his 4 faithful companions: Molly I, Molly II, Gunner & Muffin.
Per Thomas’s wishes, cremation rites are to be accorded with a private family graveside gathering at a later date in Oak Hill Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday May 14th, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the Knights of Columbus Hall in Taylorville. Memorials in Thomas’s memory can be made as a Tribute Gift to the Taylorville Memorial Foundation – Designation to: Healthcare Careers Education Fund. McClure Funeral Home and Cremations Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.
