Thomas Edward Risley's Obituary
Thomas Edward Risley was born on April 14, 1935, in Decatur, Illinois and passed away December 22, 2024. After graduating from Decatur High School, he attended Indiana Technical College in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. While at school there he was involved in establishing the Newman Club on campus.
He went to work for Illinois Power as a design draftsman and spent over 45 years of his professional career there in various positions.
He was pre-deceased by parents Thomas ‘Tiny’ Warren & Frieda Josephine Scholz Risley and siblings Mary Helen, Dorothy Ruth (Elam), Donald Grant, Rose Marie (Kuizinas), Robert Richard, Rita Mae (Weatherford) and William Anthony, and multiple nieces and nephews.
He is survived by sister Ruth Joanne (Hill) and longtime companion Cheryl Miller.
He is also survived by nieces and nephews: Carlin, Dennis, Connie, Greg, Richard, Kathy, Sam, Danny, William, Robert, David, Donna, Lisa, Mark and Kristin who knew him as Uncle Bud.
Visitation will be at St. James Catholic Church at 10:00 AM on January 9 with a Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Decatur Catholic Charities and St. James Catholic Church.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.moranandgoebel.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas?
Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas make you smile?