Tommy Glisson of Carbondale

Tommy Glisson, 83, of Carbondale passed away at 11:45 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.

Tommy was born June 19, 1934, in Carbondale to Tommy and Velma Nannie (Hartley) Halstead in Carbondale. On April 25, 1964, Tommy was united in marriage with Bonnie Kay (Gwaltney) Glisson.

Tommy is survived by his wife, Bonnie Glisson of Carbondale; three daughters, Ellen "Roxanne" and Richard Conley of Carbondale, Mary Jane (Glisson) Ekstrand and fiance Kenneth Keller of Carbondale, and Rebecca "Becky" Sue (Glisson) and Gregory George Borowitz Jr. of Carbondale; 11 grandchildren, Robin Ann (Conley) and Skip Cutting, Brett Daniel and Rachel Conley, Curtis Matthew Conley, Derek Michael Conley, Aaron Jordan Ekstrand, Sarah Caroline Ekstrand, Caleb Thomas Ekstrand, Jacob Kennedy Ekstrand, Isaac Martin Ekstrand, Hannah Olivia Borowitz and Liesel Berget Borowitz; three great-grandchildren, Adrienne Claire Conley, Brandon Clark Conley and Alexandria Allise Cutting; aunts Katherine (Glisson) Mitcheff and Fanny (Glisson) Menckowski; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents; uncles Gene Mitcheff, Steve Menckowski, Walter (Ann) Glisson, John (Tillie) Glisson, Earl (Louise) Glisson and Russell (Louise) Hartley; and aunts Hazel Glisson (Oscar) Landsford and Etta Glisson (Earl) Worley.

Tommy proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from Oct. 5, 1953, to Oct. 4, 1955.

Tommy had an amazing work ethic beginning at age 8 and had 26 jobs, including at the United States Postal Service, over his lifetime. Tommy built and owned rental properties, G&R, for more than 54 years He was an avid sports fan, especially Saluki and Grinnell College basketball. Tommy also wanted to attend any activities in which his grandchildren were involved.

We will forever carry with us the love, wisdom and laughter he gave us. Tommy will be deeply missed as he was loved by so many, especially those in his fraternal memberships. Some of these included the Moose, Eagles and Elks lodges, as well as American Legion Post 127.

Visitation will be from 2-5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15, 2018 at Meredith Funeral Home, Carbondale. Funeral services for Tommy will be held immediately after visitation at the funeral home with Rev. Robert Gray officiating. Private entombment will be held at a later date in Oakland Cemetery.

Memorials are the preferred form of remembrance and may be made to the American Lung Association or the American Cancer Society. They will be accepted at the funeral home. To share a story or memory of Tommy, visit meredithfh.com.