Thomas Edward Blakemore
August 17, 1934 — October 9, 2017
Thomas Edward Blakemore, 83, of Minooka, IL, passed away on October 9, 2017 surrounded by his loving family.
Tom was born in Chicago, IL on August 17, 1934 to Ralph and Helen Blakemore. He was one of twelve children. He graduated from Joliet Catholic High School where he was on the football and baseball teams and was affectionately known as “Porky”.
Tom was married to Dorothy Matthews on January 14, 1956; they were married 61 years.
Tom was in the real estate business for many years. He enjoyed watching the Chicago White Sox. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved to laugh, making up songs and rhymes for all his kids and grandkids. Many remarked that he kept his sense of humor even during the years of his declining health.
His children remember that each first day of school they were serenaded by their Dad singing, “School Days, School Days”. He would also call his family members each birthday to sing the “Happy Birthday” song.
Tom is survived by his wife, Dorothy; son, Timothy (Lana) Blakemore; daughters, Sherri (Robert) McGuire and Michelle (Jeff) Miller; grandchildren, Bobby McGuire, Aimee, Ashley (Reggie) and Tim Blakemore, Ryan, Amanda, and Mitch Miller; and great-grandchild-Ellie. He is also survived by brothers Don, Jim; sisters, Mary Agnes, Carol, Shirley, and Pat; many nieces and nephews; and other family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
A celebration of Thomas’ life will begin with relatives and friends meeting at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Minooka on Monday, October 16, 2017 for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be on Sunday, October 15, 2017 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Visit Thomas' memorial page at www.tezakfuneralhome.com/notices/Thomas-Blakemore
or for more information, call (815) 722-0524 .
Arrangements lovingly entrusted to Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life.