Thomas "Tom" Rex Matthews

Thomas Rex Matthews, 88 of Bismarck, went to the arms of Jesus while holding the hand of his loving wife Marjorie Lois (Rudolph) Matthews on Thursday, July 14, 2022 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Visitation will be on Sunday, July 17th from 3-6pm at Kruger Funeral Home, 10 E. Williams Street in Danville. Services will be on Monday, July 18th at 10:30 am at Bismarck First Church of Christ, 100 Maiden Lane, Bismarck, IL. 61814 with Pastor Jim Boudouris officiating. Following services Tom will be laid to rest in Gundy Cemetery.

   Tom was born on April 22, 1934 in Bismarck to Stanley and Ruby (McCormick) Matthews. He attended Bismarck Schools graduating in 1952. Tom enlisted in the US Navy from 1956-1957 where he was stationed at Great Lakes and later on the LST  Windham County ship in the Mediterranean.  Tom spent his entire life farming in the Bismarck area, retiring in 1996 and then continuing to work for Doug and Greg Cunningham for several years. He also worked for twenty-eight years for Morrison Funeral Home and was an EMT at Bismarck Ambulance for several years.

   Tom was a lifetime member of Bismarck First Church of Christ, where he was an Elder, Deacon and Treasurer. He was also a proud member of the Bismarck Lions Club, a member of Anchor Lodge 980, and a 32nd Degree member of AASR, Valley of Danville. Tom could be seen with his red and silver pickup with the flashing light on top, cleaning up the roadside south of Bismarck. He collected farm toys and loved to go to toy shows. He would do anything for his grandchildren, loved his family, and enjoyed a good cup of coffee or card game with close friends and family. He was also a diehard Cubs and Illini fan.  

   Tom married Marjorie Lois Rudolph in 1958 and the two have shared the past sixty-four years together. He leaves behind his wife Marge; his children John (Joyce) Matthews, Duane (Mark Weekley) Matthews, and Melodie (Brad) Zurlinden; five grandchildren: Jason (Whitney) Matthews, Justin (Emily) Zurlinden, Austin (Christina Hill) Zurlinden, Julie Hope, and Karen (John) Schoolcraft; and his great-grandchildren: Oliver, Matthew, Zyler, Mia, Justin, Dakota, Jordan, and Alexander. His sister Ruth Turner, as well as several brother and sister in laws will also greatly miss him. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Robert Matthews, a brother-in-law Robert Turner, and a great-grandson Lucas.

      Messages and memories may be left on our website at www.KrugerCoanPape.com, or on the Kruger Funeral Home Facebook page. Donations may be made in Tom’s name to The Bismarck First Church of Christ, 100 Maiden Lane, Bismarck, IL. 61814.

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