Thomas Brabender

Thomas W. "Tom" Brabender, 75, of Mt. Zion, IL, passed away Monday, November 2, 2015, at Aspen Creek in Sullivan, IL. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 6, 2015, at St. John's Lutheran Church, with visitation from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, November 5, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, IL, and one hour prior to services on Friday at the church. Burial will be in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Decatur, IL, with military rites conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church. Tom was born March 8, 1940, in Decatur, IL, the son of August and Ruth (Novack) Brabender. He married Dorothy Hays on November 6, 1965 in Decatur, IL. Tom was a life long member of St. John's Lutheran Church and was very active in the church. He was a 1958 graduate of Eisenhower High School, then attended Western Illinois University for 2 years on a football scholarship. Tom worked for many years at Tate & Lyle, and after retiring he was a salesman for R.D. McMillen Enterprises. He enjoyed sports and devoted many years to coaching, and was a role model to many, on and off the baseball field. He coached baseball for 40 years, including American Legion ball teams, and was a University of Illinois, Chicago Bears, and die-hard Chicago Cubs fan. Tom was a U.S. Army veteran. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Dorothy of Mt. Zion; children: Andrew (Marcie) Brabender of Goshen, IN, and Mindy (Larry) Humphrey of Decatur; grandchildren: Brooke and Meghan Humphrey, Emma, Beau, Kate, and Luke Brabender; and one sister: Linda (Pat) Haugh of Quincy, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents and son Jason Brabender. The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Aspen Creek staff for their love and support through this difficult time. "
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