Thomas J. Drew

WALTON – Thomas J. Drew, 68, of Walton, died Monday, Oct. 24, 2011, at Amboy Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

He was born April 30, 1943, in Dixon, the son of Leo and Kathryn (Halligan) Drew. He was a lifelong farmer, and owned and operated Walton Elevator Co. from 1968 until his retirement in 2009. He had his private pilot’s license and his own plane, and enjoyed traveling.

He was a graduate of Amboy High School and St. Ambrose University. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Walton, Knights of Columbus and Dixon Elks Club. He served on the Amboy School Board for 10 years and was Marion Township clerk for 4 years.

He is survived by his children, Gina (Joseph) Nuske of LaSalle, Janelle (Dan) Leffelman of Austin, Texas, Kirsten (Pete) Donna of Amboy and Tyson (Magen) Drew of Ottawa; 11 grandchildren, Colton Nuske, Miranda and Cordell Leffelman, Kyleigh, Cody, Caleb and Landon Donna, and Owen, Isaiah, Lillian and Trenton Drew; special friend, Pat Harkins of Sandwich; and a brother, Dennis (Ginny) Drew of Phoenix.

He was preceded in death by a son, Duane; and his parents.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., with the rosary recited at 7:30 p.m., Thursday at Mihm-Jones Funeral Home in Amboy. Prayer service will be at 9:45 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church in Walton, with Monsignor Thomas Bales officiating. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Harmon. A memorial has been established.

Visit www.thejonesfh.com to send condolences.