Thomas Israel

Thomas Israel, 94, of McHenry, IL, died Wednesday, June 13, 2012, at McHenry Villa, McHenry, IL. Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at Central Christian Church, Decatur, IL. Visitation will be 5 to 7 P.M., Monday, June 18, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, IL and one hour prior to service time at the church. Burial will be in Boiling Springs Cemetery, Decatur, IL. Memorials may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Association. Mr. Israel was born August 20, 1917 in Armington, IL, the son of Joe and Sylvia Israel. He was a 1935 graduate of Hittle Township High School and 1939 graduate of Eureka College. He received his Master's Degree from the University of Illinois and his Specialist in Education Degree from Eastern Illinois University. His first teaching position was in a country school. Following that, he was an Elementary Principal at Roxana, IL, coach at Armington, IL, teacher at Johns Hill Jr. High, and teacher at Warrensburg Latham, where he was also the Junior High Principal, High School Principal, and then retired as the District Superintendent. Mr. Israel was a member of Central Christian Church where he served in different capacities and was an Elder Emeritus. He married Doris Wachter on May 19, 1940 in Latham, IL. She preceded him in death in 2007. Mr. Israel was a member of Warrensburg Lions Club and a trustee of Hickory Point Township. He was a member of DARTA, where he was voted "Teacher of the Year". He received this award from the Illinois Retired Teachers Association for service to teachers on local, regional and state levels. He was local legislative chairman for 15 years and regional and state legislative co-chairman each for 4 years. He was also a member of the board of directors, executive committee and the foundation. Mr. Israel was in the Coast Guard Reserve during WWII. He is survived by his grandchildren Christopher (Laurel) Harmon of Richmond, IL, and Kimberly (Michael) Madison of Sherman, IL; great grandchildren Justin, Bailey, and Jordyn Harmon, Michaela and Chase Madison; niece Charlene Attaway of Tinley Park, IL; nephew William Israel, Jr. and wife Jean of Picayane, MS; nephews-in-law Richard (Donna) Wachter of Naperville, IL, Michael (Donna) Wachter of Springfield, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Doris, twin brother William, and daughter Sandra K. Harmon. "
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