Thomas E. Findlay

Thomas Edward Findlay Age 75 of Melbourne, Florida met his Glory in Jesus on 9/14/2015. He passed away quietly at his residence of natural causes. He was born 7/5/1940 in Aurora, Illinois to James Joseph and Esther Findlay(Walsh). He lived on a small farm in Plainfield with his parents and 4 siblings, Jim, Bill, Brandy, and Deb. He attended Illinois College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology/Psychology. He worked in social work his entire career. Starting as a Case Worker “pounding the bricks,” and advancing to County Superintendent of Public Aid. He worked for the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative services, and then completed his career at the Illinois Department of Human Resources.

His life long passions included raising Dobermans, riding motorcycles, fishing, Picasso, and researching and hunting for Native American relics .

He is survived by his four Siblings: James Joseph Findlay III, William John Findlay, Brandy Bernice Cole, and Deborah D Findlay. Four children: Matthew Thomas Findlay (Thelma), Mark William Findlay, Rebecca Renee Findlay, and Rachel Anne Wagner(Jeff). Nephews: William James Findlay , Josh Shreve, James Joseph Findlay IV, and Iver Shawn Findlay .Neices: Michelle Lockhart, Tona Shelby, Nina Anderson, Amanda Moore, Jessica Reeves, and Ericka Cloe. Four grandchildren: John Michael Findlay(Tasha), Kayla Anne Wagner(Alex), Heather Wagner , and Mitchell Wagner. He has five great grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, and 20 grand nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a loyal and faithful pet Mercy, and life time friends, Anthony Bailey, and Jack and Rita Derry.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a great granddaughter Elizabeth Findlay on 12/15/2006.

Services will be held at Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 E Allen St, Springfield, Il 62703. Visitation will be from 11:00am-12:00pm on Saturday September 26th , 2015 with Internment at Oak Ridge Cemetery Block 50 at 1 PM. Celebration of Life to follow at Lincoln Park Pavillion at 2 pm.

Pall Bearers: Anthony Bailey, James Findlay III, James Findlay IV, Mark Findlay , Matt Findlay, William John Findlay, and Iver Shawn Findlay

Memorial Suggestions: American Lung Association, 55 Wacker Drive Suite 1150, Chicago, Il. 60601, 1-800-LUNGUSA, and please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischandsonfuneralhomne.com.