Thomas Alvey, Jr.

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Thomas William Alvey, Jr., 81, of Belleville, IL, born September 2, 1939, in Lincoln, IL, died Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at The Arbors at Parkway Gardens in Fairview Heights, IL.

Tom graduated from Virginia Military Institute in 1961, where he met Mary Hite, his loving wife of 59 years. After graduation, he was placed on active duty and served two years as an Infantry Officer with the United States Army at Fort Benning, GA, and Fort Jackson, SC. He then attended Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, MO, and graduated in 1966. Tom began practicing law at Pope and Driemeyer law firm in East St. Louis, IL, and continued practicing for more than 50 years in the St. Louis Metro East ending his life-long career with Thompson Coburn in Belleville, IL. Tom specialized in the defense of personal injury lawsuits and was very successful in this endeavor. Although his practice was primarily in the state and federal courts in central and southern Illinois, his trial work took him to many southeastern states for trials and appeals. He was a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers, American Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, Missouri State Bar Association, and the West Virginia Statement Bar Association. He was also licensed to practice before the United States Supreme Court.

Tom enjoyed traveling, fishing, playing golf and tennis, walking, grilling, reading, playing cards at the country club, and spending time with family. He was a member of the St. Clair Country Club and St. Clair Historical Society.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Thomas William and Mary Ella Alvey, nee Bevan; his brother, Bevan Bridges Alvey; his brother-in-law, Col. (Ret.) Eugene Howard Grayson, Jr.; his daughter, Dr. Elizabeth Hite Erwin, nee Alvey; and three grandchildren who died in infancy, Naomi, Ezra, and Sophia Alvey.

Surviving are his wife, Mary Hite Alvey, nee Grayson; a son, Thomas William Alvey, III; a daughter, Mary Helen Alvey; a son-in-law, David Erwin; four grandchildren, Helen Hite Erwin, Jordan Mae Erwin, Piper Maeve Alvey, and Annabelle Rose Alvey; a foster grandson, Hayden; a sister, Jennette Simkins; a sister-in-law, Sally Chinn (Mark); several nephews, cousins and a niece.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Arbors and Heartland Hospice for the care and support they gave him during his final days.

Memorials may be made to the Belleville Area Humane Society or to the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Friends may visit from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 12, 2021, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 12, 2021, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Fr. J. Payton Wieland officiating.

Interment will be at West View Cemetery in Radford, VA.

Condolences:

17 Comments on Thomas Alvey, Jr.

Mary DuBois said : Guest Report Jun 10, 2021 at 10:58 PM

My condolences to the family,I was Mr Toms night nurse at the Arbors and I enjoyed carrying for him he always had a smile and kind words for me

  • Swansea
  • Illinois
Lynne Craig said : Guest Report May 06, 2021 at 12:56 AM

So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I knew him beginning early in my rail career. A courteous, helpful and considerate gentleman who will be missed. Fair winds and following seas, Tom.

  • Greensboro
  • NC
Tom Minogue said : Guest Report Apr 09, 2021 at 11:47 AM

I had the privilege of being Tom’s law partner at Thompson Coburn for over 35 years and served as chair of our firm for 20 of those years. Tom was a model partner to everyone in our firm, and exemplified all that is best in the practice of law. He was deeply devoted to our clients and an absolute joy to his coworkers. Everyone who was blessed with the opportunity to work with Tom came away not only a better professional but a better person as well. His friendship, sense of humor and broad smile will be missed by all of us he touched so deeply. Thank you Tom for everything!

  • Frontenac
  • Missouri
Jim mendillo said : Guest Report Mar 30, 2021 at 6:58 AM

Very sad news, condolences to Mary and his family; he was a class person 100%, a true gentleman. I will miss him.

  • Belleville
  • Il
Bob & Joyce Dintelmann said : Guest Report Mar 29, 2021 at 9:58 AM

Our sincere sympathy to all the family. Tom was a fine man

  • Belleville
  • IL
Michael McGlynn said : Guest Report Mar 27, 2021 at 9:41 PM

He was a very skilled and admired Attorney. Our prayers and thoughts to his family.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Jim Blair said : Guest Report Mar 27, 2021 at 2:27 PM

Tom , was a great role model as he shared his knowledge and believed in helping the future lawyers succeed. He was about being good at what he did more than about the financial reward. I learned a lot from Tom in this regard and valued the many years I knew him. I will miss my conversations with Tom.

  • St. Louis
  • Mo
Dianne Holtman said : Guest Report Mar 26, 2021 at 6:09 AM

My deepest sympathy to Mr. Alvey's family. I worked at Thompson Coburn many years and I previously worked for his good buddy, John Gunn. I'm sure he and John are enjoying a good cigar and talking about the good old days. Mr. Alvey was a kind man and will be missed.

  • Smithton
  • IL
Mary Bonacorsi said : Guest Report Mar 25, 2021 at 8:06 PM

Tom was a my partner for more than 30 years. He was a prince — we lost one of the good guys, a terrific lawyer, a formidable adversary, a great partner and loyal friend.

  • St Louis
  • Mo
Joe McDonnell said : Guest Report Mar 25, 2021 at 3:57 PM

Tom succeeded me as an associate lawyer at Pope & Driemeyer in 1966. In fact, I sat in on his interview. He was far and away the best candidate for the job and proved it by his stellar performance as a trial lawyer with the same firm and its successors for over forty years. Above all, he was a gentleman and a kind and caring man. The legal profession and the wider world have lost a good one. I will miss him greatly.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
gerald bernard cohn said : Guest Report Mar 25, 2021 at 3:50 PM

Tom appeared before me many times in Federal Court He was the consummate professional, respected by the judiciary & his fellow lawyers. I will miss him.

  • Collinsville
  • IL
Roger Petersen said : Guest Report Mar 25, 2021 at 2:22 PM

Tom was a true professional, loyal representative for the railroad, dedicated fisherman and true friend to many. I always respected Tom and always enjoyed being in his presence. We all are less without him.

  • Chesapeake
  • Virginia
salvatore vitale said : Guest Report Mar 25, 2021 at 1:16 PM

Tom was my Brother Rat at VMI. He is missed. Will see you when he is entered

  • virginia beach
  • va
Linda Wernle said : Guest Report Mar 25, 2021 at 11:03 AM

My sympathies to the family. I worked at Thompson Coburn's Belleville office from 1990 to 1997 and transferred to the St. Louis office where I continue to work. I have a funny story to share with you about Tom's character. I was pregnant with my first child 25 year ago and there was an event in our office lobby for the staff. He looked at me, a very pregnant me, and asked gruffly (like he was grilling a witness), "Well I guess you think you're going to take a few weeks off for that baby." I responded, "No sir, I plan on having him right in the lobby and should be able to go back to work in an hour or so." The smile on his face was priceless! We shared our losses as well even though we didn't talk often. My husband died from an accident 11 years ago. Mind you I hadn't worked at the Belleville office for over 13 years and he called me at home and wanted to know if the Firm (TC) was helping me out and to check on me. He was the only attorney that called me personally. I remember. He and I also talked after his daughter passed away. We shared our stories about our losses, shed a few tears and talked about how we have to keep moving forward. I wanted to let you know that besides being a great attorney, that he also was a great human being. I am thankful to have known him. I wish you all peace and comfort. Linda Wernle

  • Highland
  • IL
Dan Warman said : Guest Report Mar 25, 2021 at 11:01 AM

Tom was kind to me when I first met him at the Brosnan Forest many years ago. I was a first timer I believe and he treated me with courtesy, respect and not a little humor. Thereafter I saw him there and at many NARTC meetings. He was a good man.

  • Norfolk
  • VA
Jean Reinneck said : Guest Report Mar 25, 2021 at 9:51 AM

I worked closely with him since late 1985. He had such a kind heart, and impacted my life significantly. He believed in the value of education, and because of this, supported and encouraged my decisions to return to college. His command of the English language was extraordinary and his knowledge was immense. He loved his family (and his dear pets through the years) above all else. I really could write about him for days; but in short, he was an excellent lawyer, a guiding force to those in need, and a good friend. He will be missed. Hugs and prayers to the family.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Bob wells said : Guest Report Mar 25, 2021 at 9:48 AM

To a great man who was always there for his clients and friends!

  • Cape Charles
  • Virginia

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