Thomas M. Curtis

Thomas M. "Tommy" Curtis, age 86, of Cameron, Illinois passed away at his residence on November 9, 2012 at 9:19 am. Tommy was born on July 19, 1926 in Monmouth, Illinois and is the son of Lloyd M. and Mabel Barney Curtis. Tom was raised in Monmouth where he attended local schools and graduated from Monmouth High School with the class of 1944. Tom married Joanne Lee Youngquist on September 6, 1947 in Cameron, Illinois. She preceded him in death on May 11, 2006. Tom enjoyed being a grain farmer all of his adult career; farming the family farm for forty years in rural Warren County east of Monmouth. Tom pioneered " no-till " farming in this area. He was a Funks seed corn dealer for many years. Tommy also was manager of the Shrock Fertilizer outlet in Cameron for five years, he worked at Monsanto Research Farms for thirteen years, he was a director for McDonough Power Company Co-op for fifteen years and served as chairman for five years. He also drove a school bus for District 205 for ten years. After retiring he helped other are farmers with their farm work. He is a life long member of the Cameron Christian Church and though the years served as chairman of the board, served on various committees, was Sunday School teacher, and sang in the Church Choir. He loved to sing, and led singing in the church and just loved music in general. Big band, country, church hymns and gospel were his favorites. His church meant a lot to him and he exhibited a strong faith. He is a long time member of "Super Club" His hobbies were photography, fixing things, and being a grandpa. Surviving Tommy is one daughter, Jan (Milo) Sprout of Monmouth, Illiniois and four grandchildren, Michelle Sprout of Pekin, IL,. and Troy Sprout in Chicago, IL., Kristin Chenault of Monmouth, IL, and Geoff (Emily) Curtis of Chicago, IL. Great Grandchildren Dalton, Ethan, and Gage Chenault also survive. His daughter in law Mary Curtis of St.Louis, MO. also survives. Preceding him in death are his parents, wife, son Dan, two daughters, Jeanne and Mary Sue, one sister Pat Bailey and his brothers George, Joe and Don Andrews. Services:A memorial service will be at 10:30 am on Saturday November 17, 2012 at the Cameron Christian Church in Cameron, Illinois. Cremation has been accorded. His family plans a visitation at the church receiving friends from 9:00 to 10:30 prior to the memorial service. In lieu of flowers memorial funds have been established for either Cameron Christian Church or Jamieson Center of Monmouth.