Thomas L. "Tom" Burford's Obituary
Thomas L. "Tom" Burford, 71 of Decatur, entered into eternal life on Monday, August 11, 2003 in his home surrounded by his family.
Concelebrated Funeral Mass will be 11 A.M. Thursday, August 14, 2003 in St. Patrick Catholic Church, with Fr. Jeff Grant and Fr. Jeff Goeckner officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5 to 7 P.M. in Moran & Goebel Funeral Home, 2801 N. Monroe St. Decatur, vigil prayer service will be at 4:30 P.M. Burial will be in North Fork Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Teresa High School Educational Foundation.
Mr. Burford was born in Teutopolis on November 13, 1931 the son of Clarence and Lorraine Weber Burford. Tom was a graduate of Quincy University in 1953 where he was a baseball and basketball letterman for four years. After college he was drafted by the New York Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals prior to serving in the Army during the Korean War. While in the service, Tom received the National Defense and Good Conduct Medals. He worked in accounting and materials management for the Caterpillar Tractor Co. for thirty five years before he retired in 1990. Tom was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and a lifetime member of the Teutopolis Knights of Columbus Council #. He married Joyce A. Hofman on July 07, 1956 in Sigel.
Surviving are his wife; daughters: Ann Mark Merchlewitz of Winona, MN.; Joan Jeff Rupp of Decatur; sons: Lee Clare Burford of Swansea, IL.; Paul Liz Burford of Decatur; grandchildren: Dan, Emily, & Frank Merchlewitz; Jesse Rupp; Kyle & Kristi Burford; sisters: Mary Bob Bender of Westchester; Dorothy Gayle Bartel of Urbana; brothers: Jim Gertie Burford of Teutopolis; Larry Marion Burford of Teutopolis; Bernie Marcie Burford of Effingham; Carl Diana Burford of Olympia, WA.; many nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and extended family member Lori K.O. Kramer of Decatur.
His parents; and Uncle, Dr. F.L. Weber preceded him in death.
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