Thomas William Gheen

Thomas William Gheen, 42, of Springfield, died at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 18, 2005 at his home. Thomas was born on September 3, 1962 in Springfield, the son of James W. and Mary Sandidge Gheen. He married Connie Hartley on August 1, 1987 in Petersburg. He graduated from Petersburg Porta High School and John Woods Community College in Quincy, IL. He was employed by Springfield School District 186 as a refrigeration pipefitter. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and Plumbers & Steamfitters Union Local 137. Thomas, a loving father and husband, loved all water sports, all types of music and watching bands perform. He played the drums, loved his work, enjoyed friends and being outdoors and was a St. Louis Cardinal fan. He loved his daughter and his faithful companion, Chance, a chocolate Labrador retriever. He was preceded in death by his father: James W. Gheen in 2003. He is survived by his wife: Connie Gheen of Springfield; one daughter: Erin Nicole Gheen at home; mother: Mary Gheen of Petersburg; one brother: David (wife, Debbie) Gheen of Petersburg, several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. The family of Thomas William Gheen will receive friends from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 20, 2005 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21, 2005 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home with Rev. Ed Maddox officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Greenview, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Erin Gheen College Fund. The family of Thomas William Gheen is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.