OBITUARY

Thomas K. McCracken

December 19, 1944 – December 4, 2018

Thomas K. McCracken, 73, of Springfield, passed away on Tuesday December 4, 2018 at Memorial Medical Center. He was born on December 19, 1944 in Phoenix, Arizona to Harry and Elinor McClay McCracken. Thomas married Jill Montgomery in Virginia, Illinois on September 24, 1966 and she survives.

Mr. McCracken is also survived by his children: David McCracken of Springfield, Anne (Mike) Anderson of Franklin, TN., and Joseph McCracken of Chicago, five grandchildren: Sage McCracken of Bloomington, Annabelle and Jane Anderson of Franklin, TN., and Willem and Holden McCracken of Springfield, three great-grandchildren: Emmett, Elliott and Everett Schopp and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother Harry McCracken and one sister Judy Knox.

Thomas served in the US Navy during Vietnam from 1966-1970 in Washington D.C. at the Naval Security Station where he had Top Secret clearance and during his time there he assisted in debriefing individuals coming home from Vietnam. After his military service Thomas graduated from SIU Edwardsville and started his long and successful career in the insurance industry working for several companies including: Horace Mann, Franklin Life, NACOLA and Assurity. Through his work he visited every US state except Alaska and developed life-long relationships that would allow him to call on a friend at any time in any major city.

Good luck Thomas and blessings on your journey, your family wishes you fair winds and following seas. A memorial visitation will be held on Monday December 10, 2018 from 2:00pm-5:00pm at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 Koke Mill Road. A private graveside service will be held at a later date at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. Memorial contributions may be made to the Greene County Historical and Genealogical Society, P.O. box 137, Carrollton, IL. 62016 and please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com.

  • FAMILY

  • Jill McCracken, Wife
  • David McCracken, Son
  • Anne (Mike) Anderson, Daughter
  • Joseph McCracken, Son
  • 5 Grandchildren and 3 Great Grandchildren

  • DONATIONS

  • Greene County Historical and Genealogical Society
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Services

  • Memorial Visitation Monday, December 10, 2018
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REMEMBERING

Thomas K. McCracken

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Julie Efaw

December 10, 2018

Dear Jill and Joe...

You may recall that we were neighbors on Flaxen Mill and Tom was a client at The Franklin many years ago. We are so sorry to hear this sad news of Tom‘s passing. We remember him fondly as such a warm, kind, caring, personable, class-act person and we were always glad to see him, and you, when our paths crossed.

Our sympathy to you both and to your entire family. We are keeping you all in our thoughts.

Hugs and warm regards,
Kate Borough & Julie Efaw

Linda Leinberger

December 10, 2018

I worked with Tom in the late ‘80s at Franklin Life. I was his golf partner during that time for the annual company wide golf outing. We always had a great time! He was one of a kind and a lot of fun. I have a lot of fond memories of Tom. I’m so sorry for your loss.

Donald Barnard

December 10, 2018

I grew up in White Hall and went to school with Tom. He was two years older than me but we played on the same football team. My Dad worked at Rose Auto Parts and Tom's father, Harry, was the store manager. I was also their newspaper delivery boy. In 1968, I joined the Navy and was stationed in Washington, DC at the Bureau of Naval Personnel. There were a number of "White Hall boys" stationed in the area and got together from time to time. Tom was always one of the good guys and I have fond memories of him. I had not seen him in years until about a year ago, I got to talk to him at the North End in White Hall. I will miss him. God bless you all!

Jesse Brewer

December 9, 2018

I have many fond memories of Tom while working with him at Assurity. He had a great sense of humor and a kind heart. After his retirement he went back to Springfield and I always said I would come visit he and Jill but work and life got in the way. I regret not taking the time to go. He was a standup guy who was a great mentor to me and many in the insurance business. Thoughts and prayers for your loss to Jill and family. Jesse and Pat Brewer

Carolyn Quirk

December 9, 2018

I never met anyone who did not admire and like Tom; he was the best that Greene County had to offer. Though I know the last year of his life was difficult, he met it with such grace and dignity. I will always be grateful that he made an effort to stay in touch knowing I had few cousins and no siblings. Godspeed Carolyn

Patrick and Kim Kenney

December 7, 2018

It saddened us to hear the news. Even though I only worked with Tom a few short years at Assurity, he made my transition from Security one of ease. Always with a smile when I had a question, always with encouragement when I had a concern. Tom and I met several times over the years prior to our Assurity days at various Industry meetings; always a gentleman in helping me make new acquaintances, and always professional in his dealings with others. I always enjoyed our conversations when he had a new story about his grandchildren; I could feel his love when he talked of Jill, and I could feel his longing to get back to Springfield in retirement. Rest in peace my friend, you made an impact on many. You will long be remembered.

Jim ( Bill ) Fisher

December 7, 2018

So sorry to hear about Thomas
Jim Class of 65
Downs , il

Rick & Rachel Andersen

December 7, 2018

Dear Jill and family,

Rachel and I were very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Tom was a great individual whom I enjoyed working with at Assurity Life. He was instrumental in helping Legacy Insurance Services in the development of our life product, marketing distribution. Rachel and I always enjoyed all the Assurity trips and time we shared with both you and Tom.
Our sincere condolences
Rick & Rachel Andersen
Omaha, NE

Hilary Simonds

December 7, 2018

Anne, Mike, Anabelle and Jane,

We are so sad to hear the news about your beloved Dad and grandfather. I know he was a fun, funny and loving man. Anne, we know the two of you were so close -- what a blessing to have had a Dad you had such a strong and unique relationship with. Keep telling your family stories so he will always live on. We'll be thinking of you and praying for your family as you navigate this new path together with your wonderful family. Lots of love and hugs.

The Simonds family

Mark & Jill Bale

December 7, 2018

Jill & family,
We have fond memories of spending time with Tom & Jill on Friday nights in Lincoln. Tom was a great person and we were blessed to have him in our lives. Our hearts ache for you as you grieve this loss.
Mark & Jill

IN THE CARE OF

Bisch Funeral Home
Springfield, IL
217-544-5424