Thomas E. “Tom” Eden (93) of Effingham 

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Thomas E. “Tom” Eden, 93, of Effingham, IL, passed away at Willowbrook Memory Care on Monday, September 8, 2025 surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 15, 2025 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham. A private family burial will be held in Robinson New Cemetery in Robinson, IL. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to St. Anthony Schools. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.

Thomas was born on February 9, 1932 in Effingham, IL, the son of George and Adeline (Althoff) Eden. Serving as Class President, Tom graduated from St. Anthony High School, Effingham, in 1950. He worked with Western Union, traveling across Illinois, eventually taking him to Robinson, where he met the love of his life, Doris Anne Woodard. They married on October 16, 1955 in Robinson, IL, and she preceded him in death on January 2, 2014. Following Western Union, he opened Tom Eden Independent Insurance Agency in Robinson. Later, Tom spent the majority of his career at the Heath Candy Company in Robinson. There he started Heath’s initial data processing department and eventually retired as Controller. Tom was very involved in the community and loved to give back. He was a lifelong member of the Robinson Elks #1188, serving as Exalted Ruler, being honored as Elk of the Year and working on the Elks charitable foundation for years. He served on Advisory Boards for two foundations and the Robinson School Board as President for many years. Tom was a longtime member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Robinson, working on the church’s financial committee and serving as the treasurer. Tom was raised as a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Effingham, and in his later years returned to St. Anthony when he and Doris Anne moved to Effingham. He was also a lifelong member of the Effingham Knights of Columbus #665. Tom’s greatest joy was his family. He taught his children to be fair, forgiving, honest and to work hard yet enjoy life. He loved following his kids’ and grandkids’ sports and bragging on his 9 grandkids. He and Doris Anne made their Robinson home and adjacent woods a place their children and friends often gathered to create treasured memories. In his younger years Tom was an avid bowler and golfer. He enjoyed traveling around the country with Doris Anne in his motorhome and being outside. He was known to plant a big garden and to invite friends over after Robinson High School football games. Tom loved being around people to share stories, have a drink, and laugh together. He was often the one to share a funny one-liner or play a joke. Tom was an avid fan of U of I basketball and the St. Louis Cardinals. In his last 15 years, his beloved dog, Spencer, brought him comfort constantly by his side. It was Tom’s desire to live at home as he aged and lost his sight. He was able to do that all but his last 2 months, thanks to being blessed with several devoted and loving in-home caregivers. Tom was known to be sweet and inviting, often ornery yet never spoke badly of anyone. He will be forever missed.

Tom is survived by his children, Brenda Eden of The Villages, FL, Richard Eden of Springfield, IL, and Julie (Dan) Wortman of Effingham; son-in-law, John Sheary of Forsyth, IL; grandchildren, Leslie Sheary, Jacob (Samantha) Sheary, Kiersten (Brock) Baer, Amber and Ava Eden, Liz (fiancé, Ryan Feldhausen), Sarah (fiancé, Austin Webb), Rachel, and Zach Wortman; great-  granddaughters, Laela, Nyomi, Nya, Scottie, and McKenna; siblings, Ruth Stice, Jim Eden, and Dan (Louise) Eden; sister-in-law, Betty Jean Malcom; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved Havanese dog, Spencer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Doris Anne; daughter in infancy, Mary; daughter, Kathy Sheary; and brother, Don Eden.