More than a person, Tom was a lifestyle. He was deer camp, lake time, trees, tractors, boat rides, four wheelers, tomato plants, tools, tinkering, repairing, and engineering. He was always contemplating his next project but ready to help anyone. He was our very own George Bailey, and it was a wonderful life.
He was preceded in death by his father, James L. Richter; and his mother-in-law, Bonnye Gipson.
Surviving are his loving wife of 41 years, Toni, nee Gipson, Richter, whom he married on October 10, 1981;
two daughters, Katie (Stephen) Gregory, and Mandy (KC) Merckel;
four grandchildren, Richter and Emery Gregory and Aurelia and Milo Merckel;
his mother, Verna Jean, nee Gruenewald, Richter;
three brothers, David J. Richter, Richard A. (Donna) Richter, and Kevin J. (Sandy) Richter;
his father-in-law, Jim Gipson;
two aunts, Pat Gruenewald and Loyce Williams;
a brother-in-law, Dan (Mikki) Gipson;
a special cousin, Ann (Dave) Radil;
and many dear nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 2, 2023, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 9 to 10 a.m., Friday March 3, 2023, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 3, 2023, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. William McGhee officiating.