Thomas Widger
Alton | Save
Thomas W. Widger, 65, passed away at his home on October 6, 2026. He was born April 5, 1961, in Springfield, Illinois, to Jack and Shirley (Sullivan) Widger.
Tom was a graduate of Marquette High School in Alton, Class of 1979. He earned an associate degree in Civil Engineering from St. Louis Community College and was a graduate of the ERTC Water Treatment program at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.
Tom was a proud Union Carpenter for more than 30 years, working on projects throughout Illinois, Missouri, Texas, Minnesota, and Iowa. He took pride in his trade and in the work he did.
An avid reader, Tom had a particular appreciation for the history of Alton and St. Louis, historic homes, architecture, and stone masonry. He enjoyed learning about the places and structures around him and could often be found immersed in a book or sharing something interesting he had discovered.
Tom never met a stranger. He had a natural ability to strike up a conversation and make people feel comfortable, often getting even the most reserved person to open up and talk. He also had a special love for dogs and animals, which seemed to naturally gravitate toward him.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Shirley, as well as his aunts, uncles, and several friends.
He is survived by his former wife, Leslie Elliott of Godfrey, Illinois; his brothers, David Widger (Rita Springer) of Godfrey, Illinois, and Wallace DeShon (Lynda) of Maryville, Illinois; nephews Brad Widger of Maryland Heights, Missouri; Andrew Elliott of Alton, Illinois; Ben DeShon (Melissa) of Granite City, Illinois; and Chris DeShon of Maryville, Illinois; nieces Rachael Widger of St. Petersburg, Florida, and Natalie Elliott of Godfrey, Illinois; several cousins; and his beloved dogs, Nora, Sage, and Chester.
Tom will be remembered for his curiosity, his love of history and craftsmanship, his easy ability to connect with others, and his special bond with animals.
Visitation will be held at Gent Funeral Home in Alton, Illinois, on November 4, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Internment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in North Alton, where he will be buried next to his parents. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to 5As Animal Shelter, 4530 N. Alby St., Godfrey, IL 62035.
Gent Funeral Home
