Thomas Macauley
Golden Eagle |

Thomas Patrick Macauley, born October 15, 1933, in Golden Eagle, Illinois, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, at the age of 91.
Tom is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Shirley Macauley (née Bailey) of Las Cruces; his daughter, Kelly Churchill and her husband Christopher of Las Cruces; his son, Mark Macauley and his wife Kathryn of Geneva, Illinois; his granddaughter Allison and grandson, Connor, his sister Barbara Macauley Bird of San Antonio, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews across the country.
He was predeceased by his beloved son Michael Thomas Macauley of Naperville, Illinois; his parents Charles and Muriel Macauley (née Kamp) of Kampsville, Illinois; his brother James Macauley of Golden Eagle, Illinois; and his sister Mary Macauley James of St. Louis, Missouri.
Tom grew up in Golden Eagle and Kampsville, Illinois, and worked in his parent’s business, the Kampsville Inn. In 1951, at the age of 18, he joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Japan. Upon returning home, he completed a bachelor’s degree in marketing at St. Louis University. It was during this time that he reconnected with Shirley Bailey, a childhood acquaintance from their rural county in Illinois. After a one-year courtship, they married on December 29, 1956.
Tom enjoyed a fulfilling 50-year sales and marketing career in the beer business—a profession he truly loved. He and Shirley enjoyed travels to Brazil, Spain, Italy, and Mexico (and they had some fun, adventurous, and mischievous stories to tell!)
Tom was known for his generous smile and infectious friendliness- to meet him was to quickly become his friend- anytime, anywhere. He spread his kindness and lifted spirits wherever he went. Tom took great pride in his Irish heritage and embraced his inner Leprechaun every St. Patrick's Day. He made to-die-for ribs and brats on those special Sunday afternoons. Tom was also an avid sports enthusiast and a fan of the St. Louis Billikens, the Green Bay Packers, and a Chicago Cubs fan (yes, before the World Series Season). Tom had a lifelong love of golf, golfing every Saturday with the same foursome for over 20 years.
The family is extremely grateful for the loving dedication and caretaking of Tom by Marissa (Risa) Olivarez over the last year, and the presence and emotional support of Risa and Tom's sister Barbara and niece Mauri Lucas during Tom's passing. Tom had a special affection for his good friends, Gail and Bob Mahaney and Wendy and David Dawson.
Tom is being remembered for his limitless devotion to his wife and three children, his never-quit attitude that carried him so far in life, and his never-ending generosity in the form of his time, resources, encouragement, and love. As a husband and father, he was always there and could always be counted on. He will be deeply missed. Tom, give Mike a big hug for us all. May his memory live within the many hearts he touched and continue to bring comfort to those who loved him.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home