Born December 13, 1938 in Pekin to Russell Wilson and Jessie L. (Cornwell) Hancock, he married Helen Louise Kessler on October 31, 1959 in Pekin. She survives.
Also surviving are three sons, Thomas (Karen) Hancock, Jr. of Pekin, Randy (Trina) Hancock of East Peoria and John Hancock of Peoria; two daughters, Teresa (Lynn) Runyon and Heather (Mike) Foster, both of Pekin; thirteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren and one brother, James (Karen) Hancock of Marquette Heights.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Russell Hancock and Harold Hancock; his twin sister, Teresa Hancock and another sister, Linda Sidell and two great-grandchildren.
Tom was retired from Pekin Public Schools District 108 after serving as a custodian at Sunset, Willow, Broadmoor and Washington Schools. He also was retired from Pekin Hospital, where he worked as a custodian following his service with the school district.
He was devoted to his family and never wanted to miss a Saturday night at the stock car races watching his sons, son-in-law and grandson race. He also was a fan of the Chicago Cubs and loved dogs.
His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at Pekin First Church of the Nazarene. Pastor W. Lloyd Brock and Pastor Brian Eatock will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Burial will be in Green Valley Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Pekin 1101 Veerman Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554 or to Pekin First Church of the Nazarene, 3514 Broadway, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
