Thomas Raymond Morfoot Sr.

Thomas Raymond Morfoot, Sr., beloved husband, devoted father and grandfather, cherished uncle, and endeared friend passed from this life to be with our Lord on February 12, 2015, at the age of 77. A resident of Locust Grove, GA, Tom was a kind and loving soul who truly never met a stranger and would do whatever possible to help any person or organization. A product of solid Midwestern values, he was born on the family farm in Perry, Iowa. Tom enlisted in the USA military in 1956, was stationed in Japan serving as a specialist in military intelligence in the 14th. US Army Security Agency, and was honorably discharged in 1962. He was schooled at the U. of IA, Iowa City, IA, where he met his wife of 53 years, Marianne, and at Parsons College, Fairfield, IA, where he received a BA in Business Administration with a minor in Science. He paid his way through college by working as a fireman on the Milwaukee Railroad, a bartender at the Fairfield Elks Club, photographer for the Parsons College yearbook, and a carpenter building new dormitories on the Parsons College campus. Tom gained business experience from his employment at Olin Mathieson Aluminum Plant (Hannibal, OH ), Sun Oil Co. (Kenova, WV) Bostich-Stanley(Atlanta, GA), and the Black and Decker Pop-Rivet & Helicoil Division (Shelton, CT), the latter from which he retired in 1998 as a territory manager and sales engineer for the Southeast. As a member of Locust Grove UMC, Tom served on the Staff-Parish Relations Comm., a building Trustee, Finance Comm., church choir, and UMM. In 2013, he was awarded the coveted 50 year Masonic Membership apron. He was a member of Jonesboro Lodge #87, F.& A.M. and was also a 32nd. Degree Scottish Rite Mason. Tom was a former member of the Locust Grove Day Comm. and Chairman of the LG Day Parade for nine years. In the year 2000, he was honored by being named “Citizen of the Year” awarded by the Locust Grove Optimist Club. Tom enjoyed singing with the “Henry Singers” community chorus and performing in their yearly concerts. His main focus for the last 32 years has been to learn all the skills required to restore his and Marianne’s 1893 Victorian house. He was a member of Historical Jonesboro-Clayton Co., Inc., Locust Grove Heritage Assoc., and Putnam Co. IL Historical Society. He also enjoyed several trips to Europe, USASAFS reunions, photography, and served as a LG volunteer representative with the Henry Co. Emergency Response Team. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Gladys Morfoot, and his sister, Betty Mae Bennett. He is survived by his wife, Marianne; their children- Thomas R. Morfoot, Jr., Timothy J. Morfoot, Tara L. Cortes, and grandchildren – Sydney Morfoot, Tamara Morfoot, , Victoria Cortes, and Christian Cortes. Several nieces and their children also survive him in Perry, Iowa. They are Billie Kestel, Jackie Neuhalfen, and Roxanne Gunderson.