Thomas J. O’Connor, 72, of Springfield, passed away on September 3, 2024 at Springfield Memorial Hospital. He was born on June 13, 1952 in Springfield to Robert O’Connor and Kathryn Barlick. Thomas married JoAnn Faber on February 18, 1995 and she survives.
Tom is also survived by two daughters: Cristin O’Connor of Morrisonville and Hannah O'Connor (fiancé Logan Langstrom) of Virden, one stepdaughter Christine (Mark) Bailey of Pleasant Plains, two grandsons: K’dyn and Marques Lawson, two granddaughters: Carlianna & Brynlielle Bailey, siblings: Michael O’Connor of Springfield, Patrick (Robyn) O’Connor of Petersburg, Kathleen (Mark) Danner of Sherman and Caron O’Connor of Springfield, his mother Kathryn O’Connor, and several nieces and nephews.
Tom was a US Army Veteran who served in Vietnam as an MP. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from S.I.U. Edwardsville and his Master’s Degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Tom worked as an independent carpenter and also worked for Michael von Behren Builders. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and a Philadelphia Eagles fan who enjoyed traveling, fishing, and singing especially during his time as Worship Leader at Faith Lutheran Church. Tom also was known for his cooking and baking and at one time was the pastry chef at the top of the Hilton in Springfield. He was an animal lover who treasured his time spent with his cat Daphne and beloved late dog Winston and cat Don Juan. Tom was a car enthusiast who enjoyed crusing in his Karmann Ghia.
A memorial service will be held at 6:00pm on Friday September 13, 2024 at Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 East Allen Street. The family will greet friends from 4:00pm until the time of service Friday at Bisch and Son. A burial will take place at a later date at Camp Butler National Cemetery and memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League or to Hope Church.
