Thomas Chamberlain
Wood River | Save
Thomas M. Chamberlain, 78, of Wood River, passed away at 5:50 a.m., Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at his home with family by his side.
Tom was born October 6, 1946 in Fort Scott, Kansas to the late Clarence E. and Edna F. (Insley) Chamberlain.
Tom and the former Willa “Billie” Lane were married on March 19, 1971 in Madison, IL. Billie passed away Nov. 22, 2007.
He was a teacher at East Alton-Wood River High School in Wood River for 32 years retiring in 2006.
Tom was a member of the East Alton American Legion Post #0794. He loved attending church and spending time with his family, on vacations, playing dice and card games or watching sports with his son Tommy. He liked watching the old westerns and tv game shows. He also enjoyed playing the piano and writing.
Survivors include a son and his wife Thomas H. and Terri Chamberlain of Wood River; three grandchildren, Gwen Chamberlain of Olive Branch, Madison Carol Chamberlain and Alexis Marie Chamberlain both of Wood River; one sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ann & John Dollar of Kendall Hill; one sister-in-law, Teddi Slayden; many nieces and nephews.
Besides Billie and his parents, Tom was preceded in death by two brothers, Clarence “Bo” Chamberlain, Jr, Charles “Shorty” Chamberlain ; four sisters-in-law, Elaine Chamberlain, Candi Chamberlain, Angie Webster, Jennifer Bruggeman; one brother-in-law, Ronnie Slayden.
A celebration of his life will begin at 10 a.m. until service time at 12 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025 at Gray Funeral Home in Wood River. Rev. Rick Chambers will officiate.
Burial will be at Hand Cemetery on South Dorchester Rd., Bunker Hill.
Military Rites will be afforded.
Tom will be so missed.
Memorials may be given to that of one’s choice.
Gray Funeral Home
