Thomas H. Forness, 90, of Springfield and formerly of Macomb, passed away on Monday, April 29, 2024, at Lewis Memorial Christian Village. He was born on Oct. 4, 1933, in Belleville to Emil and Clara Caroline Dooley Forness.
Tom grew up in Belleville and attended Cathedral High School. After graduation, he enlisted to serve our country with the United States Air Force and served during the Korean War from 1952-1956.
After his service, he met and married his first wife, Dolentine Edwards, who preceded him in death in 1965. He then met Judy Antonacci, and they wed on Sept. 5, 1966. Tom and Judy enjoyed 42 years of marriage together before Judy passed away on Jan. 22, 2009.
Tom worked for Capitol Plumbing and Heating in Springfield and Wilkins Pipe and Supply in Keokuk, IA. He served 40 years between both companies.
Tom was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Macomb and St. James Catholic Church in Riverton. He was active with the Knights of Columbus at both churches and was also a member of the American Legion in Springfield.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; two wives; two sisters, Ellen Heidenfelder and Doris Cadmus; and one brother, Roger Forness.
He is survived by his five children, Keith (Jean) Forness of Riverton, Amy (Russell) Schlicht of West Bend, WI, Kurt (Megan) Forness of Springfield, Susan (James) Craddock of Cadiz, KY, and Laura (Erys) Perrine of Madison, WI; seven grandchildren, Chelsea, Kira, Jay, Kate, Jacob, Ben and Sam; and three sisters, Darlene Bietsch of Edwardsville, Mary Ann Ralph of AZ, and Ruth Ann Adams of Springfield. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Tom’s family would like to thank the staff at Lewis Memorial Christian Village for the care, patience and support they provided during his final year.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Camp Butler National Cemetery, where military honors will be conducted.
A celebration of life will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Knights of Columbus Council 4175 Hall in Springfield.
Memorial contributions may be made to Transitions Care Hospice in Springfield.
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