Thomas E. Cavanagh, Jr.

Thomas E. Cavanagh, Jr. 81, of Springfield, died at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 21, 2007 at Lewis Memorial Christian Village. Thomas was born on March 23, 1925 in Mendota, IL; the son of Thomas and Agnes Kane Cavanagh. He married Lila Louise Coe on July 11, 1953 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Springfield. Thomas was a WWII U.S. Army veteran achieving the rank of Corporal. During his service time he was awarded the American Theater of Operations Service Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, AR 600-68 Distinguished Unit Badge and the WWII Victory Medal. He was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, Elk’s Lodge #158, Knights of Columbus Council #364 and 104th Timberwolf Infantry Division. He enjoyed golfing, bowling and the outdoors. He retired in 1992 as a civil engineer from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Bureau of Land. He also had been previously employed with the City of Rockford, Armco Steel and Portland Cement Association where he supervised the pouring of concrete of O’Hare Airport. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, William K. Cavanagh. He is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Lila Cavanagh of Springfield; one son, Michael (wife, Ann) Cavanagh of Brockport, NY; one daughter, Clare (husband, Edward) Cavanagh Hart of Springfield; four grandchildren: Megan, Kevin, Isabella and Sarah; one brother, C. Joseph (wife, Sandy) Cavanagh of Springfield; sister-in-law, Eleanor Cavanagh of Springfield and numerous nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and great nephews. The family welcomes friends to visit from 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2007 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield. A prayer service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 26, 2007 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield with Rev. David Hoefler celebrant. Burial will follow in Camp Butler National Cemetery where military honors will be provided by the Department of Defense. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield, IL 62702. The family of Thomas E. Cavanagh, Jr. is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.