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MOUNT CARROLL – At the age of 91, Thomas Wiltshire of Mount Carroll passed away Monday, March 5, 2018, at Good Samaritan Society – Mount Carroll.
Tom was born June 9, 1926, at home in Odell, the son of Ralph and Ellen (Nolan) Wiltshire. He was a 1944 graduate of Odell High School. He then received his bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University, and later his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville. On Sept. 5, 1953, Tom married Irma Margaret Polhill. They raised three children and celebrated 39 years of marriage.
Tom worked as a teacher for more than 30 years for Milledgeville High School, teaching social studies, history, and economics. He worked summers, mostly painting homes, and sometimes selling cars. Tom was a member of Mount Carroll United Methodist Church, Retired Teachers, American Poultry Association, and a past member of the Mount Carroll School Board. He enjoyed coaching youth baseball. Tom had a passion for animals, especially chickens. He raised exotic chickens, and he would serve as a judge at some of the shows. When he wasn’t raising animals, he was watching the Chicago Cubs. Tom was proud to have seen the Cubs win The World Series Championship.
Tom will be dearly missed by his son, Bob (Chris) Wiltshire of Chadwick; his daughter, Mary (Rick) Meador of Lena; five grandchildren, Amy (Jacob Chapman) Wiltshire, Eric Wiltshire, Terry Wiltshire, Brett Meador, and Madison Meador; a great-granddaughter, Jordan Chapman; and two brothers, C.E. (Geri) Wiltshire and Ralph Wiltshire; and his special friend, Gloria Bausman.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Irma; son, Kerry; grandson, Robert Wiltshire Jr.; sister, Ellen (Wiltshire) Thalman; sister-in-law, Betty Wiltshire; and brother-in-law, Russell Thalman.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Law-Jones Funeral Home in Mount Carroll. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Mount Carroll.
Visit lawjonesfuneralhome.com to send condolences.