Thomas E. Toops

Thomas E. Toops, age 68, of Monmouth, passed away at 2:55 p.m., Saturday, June 4, 2011 at the OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg, Ill. He was born on December 26, 1942 in Flager, Co., the son of Russell and Mary Lou Wade Toops. Tom served in the Illinois National Guard for 6 years and was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award. He married Verna Hathaway on July 8, 1965 in Monmouth, Ill., she survives. Tom worked for seventeen years as a body man at several local car dealerships. He worked at TJ Davies & Son in Monmouth for many years until they closed in 1989. He also drove a tanker truck for M&B Oil Company in Monmouth until they closed. For the last twenty one years, Tom drove a truck for Ruan. While working for them Tom was awarded in 2007 the Million Mile Safe Driver Award, in 2008 the Outstanding Work Ethic Award, and in 2010 he was named Driver of the Year. Tom enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, sailing his Sunfish sail boat at the lake, water-skiing, and spending time outdoors. He enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels, and going on walks. Tom was an avid reader, enjoyed history, and was a wonderful teacher to his children and grandchildren. He was a car enthusiast and enjoyed traveling. Tom was a kind, giving man who gave to so many, and he always took care of his family and friends. He was a member of Grace Bible Church in Monmouth, Ill. Surviving Tom is his wife Verna of Monmouth, his children; Debbie Ayres (Percy) of Cape Coral, Fl., Louis Toops (Katrina) of Marshalltown , Ia., Thomas Toops II (Shani) of Colorado Springs, Co., Darol Toops (Missy) of Ft. Meyers, Fl., and Marta Toops of Monmouth. Eleven grandchildren; Melissa, Percy II, Sean, and David Ayres, Noah Toops, Linda, Brandi, Rodney, Gretchen, and Amber Toops, Miranda Toops and KaLee Pringle. Five great grandchildren also survives. One sister Rose Waider (Robert) of Maryville, Tn., two brothers; Wayne Toops, and Lyle Toops both of Tennessee, and added family member Betty Lou Pullen (Alan) of Monmouth. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and one sister. Services:A funeral service will be at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, June 9, 2011 at the Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth. Interment will be in Monmouth Cemetery. Friends may call on Wednesday evening from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth where his family will be present to receive friends. A memorial fund has been established by his family.