Tom was a World War II and Korean War veteran serving in the Army from 1945 to 1952. He was fortunate enough to go on an Honor Flight Mission when he was 90 years old. He retired in 1988 from the Defense Mapping Agency in St. Louis, MO, where he was a cartographer. Tom worked on the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo Space Mission maps during his career. He was a scoutmaster of Troop 42, Wood Badge trained, and member of the Order of the Arrow. Tom was an avid reader and master of genealogy, researching his family tree. He also enjoyed gardening and the wonders of nature. He traveled to many countries, most recently to London and Paris while in his 90’s. He was a member of NARFE and the American Legion.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Mary Lou Chamblin, whom he married on July 2, 1949, and who died on December 2, 2000; his parents, Robert J. and Ellen E., nee Evelly, Chamblin; three brothers, Robert, Robert Jr. and George Chamblin; two sisters, Frances N.S. Chamblin and Mary Catherine (John R.) Sprague; a grandson, Lance Corporal Matthew M. Clark (Iraq); his second wife, Melanie Chamblin, nee McMahon; and a step-son, Matthew Kysor.
He is survived by two sons, Thomas “Mac” (Janise) Chamblin of Belleville, IL, and Todd (Jean) Chamblin of Granite City, IL;
two daughters, Lee (Craig) Hundelt of Weldon Spring, MO, and Lynn (Andy) Russo of St. Cloud, FL;
six grandchildren, Theresa, Brandon, Layne, Daniel (Amanda), Christopher (fiancée Mattie), and Ryan;
four great-grandchildren, Logan, Mason, Charlotte, and Lucy;
a sister, Ann Chamblin, CSJ, of St. Louis, MO;
his step-children, Mark Kysor, Michael (Kathy) Kysor, Michele (Duane) Raebel, and Marla (Katy) Kysor;
and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, December 10, 2018, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at St. Henry Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at St. Henry Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Kenneth York officiating.
Burial with military honors will be at Green Mount Protestant Cemetery, Belleville, IL.