Thomas J. Acker, 89, of Alton, Illinois, handed away peacefully on Friday, February 19, 2021 along with his household and at his beloved residence after an extended sickness.
He was born on October 11, 1931 in Bridgeton, New Jersey. He was the son of F. Thomas Acker and Freda (Schulz) Acker.
Tom married the previous Barbara Kimbro on November 12, 1955 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church by Monsignor Suddes they usually have been blessed with over 65 years of marriage.
He was a graduate of St. Mary’s Catholic Faculty in Alton, Saint Bede Academy in Peru, Illinois, and Shurtleff School in Alton. He served within the U.S. Military 504th Area Artillery Battalion in Panama from 1953 to 1955.
Tom labored for over 38 years within the automotive business, retiring in 1996 from Chrysler Company and former to that at American Motors Company as a district gross sales and repair supervisor.
He has been a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church for over 50 years and was a long-time member and previous officer on the Alton Knights of Columbus Council #460.
Tom was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, son and good friend. He beloved something with a motor and took satisfaction within the look of his residence, particularly his garden!
Tom is survived by his spouse, Barbara, daughter, Ann Calandro of Sizzling Springs, Arkansas, son, Thomas Acker of Alton, two granddaughters, Dr. Lauren Christiansen of St. Louis and Katherine Calandro of Sizzling Springs, Arkansas, sisters-in-laws Myrna (Harold) Hart, Nancy (Fred) Haney, Sharon Kadell, Anita (Larry) Lipe, Sally Elliott, and quite a few cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in demise by his dad and mom, brothers-in-law Nelson Steiner, Mike Kadell, Mike Elliott and sister-in-law Wanda Steiner.
We wish to thank the entire nurses with OSF St. Anthony’s Hospice. Specifically, nurse Jodi Cole for her caring, steering, friendship and assist during the last 19 months.
A Memorial Mass officiated by Father Steven Janoski will likely be held at 10am, Saturday, February 27, 2021 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey, Illinois, following COVID-19 tips and rules.
Burial will comply with at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Alton, Illinois with full army honors.
Memorials could also be made to St. Bede Academy. Gent Funeral House is in command of preparations. On-line guestbook could also be discovered at www.gentfuneralhome.com