Thomas Joseph Kling

Tom was born February 7, 1952 in Davenport, IA, the son of Walter E. and May Anne Norton Kling. He married Barbara Ann Norris in 1977 in Assumption, IL.

Tom was a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Decatur and graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign Urbana with a Degree in Business Administration. He was employed by Hawkeye Security-Western States Insurance Company from 1976 1999 where he was the senior adjustor in charge of the Springfield service office. Tom then worked for Standard Mutual Insurance Company as a field claim representative until his illness in 2005.

Tom was an avid golfer until his illness and accomplished two hole in ones in his lifetime. The first was on August 3, 2002 at Lincoln Greens Golf Course, Springfield, Hole 13, 160 yards, with the 11 wood and the second was on August 13, 2003 at T.P.C. Tampa Bay, Tampa, FL on Hole 2, 161 yards with the 9 wood. Tom was a member of the Adjuster's Association of Central Illinois, Springfield Engineer Golf League, United States Golf Association and Church of the Little Flower.

He enjoyed traveling with his family, the outdoors, cooking, baseball, fishing, hunting and watching the birds. Tom was a great friend to all who knew him and will be sadly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved dog, Mitzy.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Barbara Ann Norris Kling of Springfield; son, Walter Thomas (wife, Trisha) Kling of Springfield; two step-grandchildren, Ciara and Zachary; one brother, William (wife, Sharon) Kling of Florence, KY; two sisters, Jane (husband, Jeff) Younger of Tampa, FL and Marybeth (husband, Steve) Cerny of Anna, IL; two aunts, Ann Kling of Davenport, IA and Mary Norton of Rock Island; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and the Standard Mutual family and special friends.

Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m.

Funeral mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 27, 2008 at Church of the Little Flower, 800 Adlai Stevenson Dr., Springfield, with Rev. Msgr. John R. Ossola celebrant.

Burial will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Assumption, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Church of the Little Flower, 800 Adlai Stevenson Dr., Springfield, IL 62703, or to: St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery Fund, 301 St. Peter St., Assumption, IL 62510.