Thomas L. O'Leary

   Thomas L. O’Leary, 84, of Mascoutah, IL, born December 21, 1940, in East St. Louis, IL, passed away Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Silver Creek Assisted Living, Mascoutah, IL.

   Tom retired in 1995 as a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force after 34 years of dedicated service to his country, including time in both the Air Force and Air Force Reserve. He continued his commitment to service in a civilian role as Aircraft Support with Trans Alert at Scott Air Force Base, until his retirement at the age of 80 in 2021.

   He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Mabel (nee Case) O’Leary; his brother, Gary; his son, Gary; stepson, Cevin West; and son-in-law, Scott Frillman.

   Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Sharen (nee LohKamp) O’Leary, whom he married on April 9, 1965, in Tacoma, WA; four sons, John (Kim) O’Leary, Bob (Rochelle) O’Leary, Scott (Vicki) O’Leary, and Steve (Michelle) O’Leary; four stepchildren, Chuck (Crisauna) West, Carla Frillman, Cindy (Dave) Johnson, and Colleen (Steve) Nicholson. He was a very proud grandparent to Madalan (Travis) Hoguet, Meagan (Nick) Sanchez, Tylor (Emily Schmidt) O’Leary, Paige O’Leary, Alynnah (Zach) Stenger, Olivia (Robbie) Johnson, Aiden O’Leary, and Erin O’Leary; and great-grandchildren Hadley, Emery, Sophia, Gabriella, and Ainsley.

   A devout Catholic, Tom was a member of Holy Childhood Catholic Church and a 3rd-degree member of Knights of Columbus Council #4380 in Mascoutah, IL. He was dedicated to serving his community, contributing his time to Meals on Wheels, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

   Tom had a passion for sports, particularly basketball, where he earned the nickname “Scrappy.” He also loved spending time outdoors, enjoying activities such as camping, fishing, and gardening—especially tending to his beloved flower beds. In fact, before his passing, Tom shared with Sharen that he hoped to one day work in “God’s flower beds.”

   In lieu of all other gifts, memorials may be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois, 2900 Frank Scott Pkwy W, Suite 956, Belleville, IL 62223. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mollfuneralhome.com.

   VISITATION: From 9 AM to 11 AM Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, at Holy Childhood Catholic Church in Mascoutah, IL.

   FUNERAL: A funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, at Holy Childhood Catholic Church with Father Mark Stec celebrating. Burial with military honors will follow in Holy Childhood Catholic Cemetery, Mascoutah, IL.