Thomas Acker
Alton |
Thomas J. Acker, 89, of Alton, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 19, 2021 with his family and at his beloved home after a long illness.
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 former Barbara Kimbro on November 12, 1955 at St. Mary's Catholic Church by Monsignor Suddes and they have been blessed with over 65 years of marriage.
He was a graduate of St. Mary's Catholic School in Alton, Saint Bede Academy in Peru, Illinois, and Shurtleff College in Alton. He served in the U.S. Army 504th Field Artillery Battalion in Panama from 1953 to 1955.
Tom worked for over 38 years in the automotive industry, retiring in 1996 from Chrysler Corporation and previous to that at American Motors Corporation as a district sales and service manager.
He has been a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church for over 50 years and was a long-time member and past officer at the Alton Knights of Columbus Council #460.
Tom was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, son and friend. He loved anything with a motor and took pride in the appearance of his home, especially his lawn!
Tom is survived by his wife, Barbara, daughter, Ann Calandro of Hot Springs, Arkansas, son, Thomas Acker of Alton, two granddaughters, Dr. Lauren Christiansen of St. Louis and Katherine Calandro of Hot Springs, Arkansas, sisters-in-laws Myrna (Harold) Hart, Nancy (Fred) Haney, Sharon Kadell, Anita (Larry) Lipe, Sally Elliott, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law Nelson Steiner, Mike Kadell, Mike Elliott and sister-in-law Wanda Steiner.
We would like to thank all of the nurses with OSF St. Anthony's Hospice. In particular, nurse Jodi Cole for her caring, guidance, friendship and support over the last 19 months.
A Memorial Mass officiated by Father Steven Janoski will be held at 10am, Saturday, February 27, 2021 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey, Illinois, following COVID-19 guidelines and regulations.
Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Alton, Illinois with full military honors.
Memorials may be made to St. Bede Academy. Gent Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
Gent Funeral Home
