THOMAS JOSEPH CRESS, 78, of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 3:45 am, Sunday, August 23, 2015 at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born to Edna (nee Aspley) Cress on June 16, 1937 in Belleville, Illinois He married Flora "Dody" Provan on July 4, 1967 in Euclid, Ohio; she survives. He was a Chester High School Class of 1955 graduate. He served his country honorably for 20 years in the United States Air Force as an Electronics/Crypto Technician before retiring and moving back to Chester. Tom began a long and rewarding career as an Electronics Instructor for Southwestern Illinois College and Southern Illinois University for 27 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed building model planes, car and trains as well as being a lifelong philatelist and numismatist. He also greatly enjoyed history and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Chester, Illinois. He was a much loved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Survivors: Wife: Flora "Dody" Cress Chester, IL 4 Children: Bridget (Paul) Straedey Jackson, MO Doug "Skip" (Liliana) Cress Jacksonville, FL Heidi (Allen) Wendell Boynton Beach, FL Tom (Gabrielle "Gabby") Cress Fairview Heights, IL 12 Grandchildren 3 Great Grandchildren Many Close Friends Preceded in death by: Mother - Edna Cress It was Thomas's wish to be cremated. Memorial Service: 11:00 am, Saturday, August 29, 2015 First Baptist Church, Chester, Illinois Officiating Dr. Mike Fogerson Visitation: Saturday - 10:00 am - 11:00 am First Baptist Church, Chester, Illinois Memorials: First Baptist Church in Chester Hospice of Southern Illinois
