Thomas (Tom) H. North III of Carbondale
Thomas (Tom) H. North III, 72, of Carbondale died Saturday March 3, 2018, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.
He was born Friday, March 23, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pa., to Thomas Hayton and Alta Marie (Woodrow) North Jr. Thomas graduated from Carbondale Community High School (CCHS) in 1963 and went on to attend Southern Illinois University, earning an associate's degree. He then enlisted in the Air Force and served from 1966 through 1970. Upon his honorable discharge, he became self-employed as a retailer, owning and operating Book World book store in Carbondale. He enjoyed what he did, and the community appreciated his presence and fascinating book selections.
On Nov. 6, 1983, he married Linda Eileen Spear in Carbondale, and they spent many wonderful years together. She survives. He is also survived by brothers Alan H. North and Jo (Dougherty) of Fishers, Ind., and Mark H. North and Gayle (Fozard) of Sparta; sister-in-law Cathy (Spear) Jedrzejas and husband John of New Lenox; and many beloved nieces and nephews and their families.
Tom had many interests and was truly a life-long learner. He enjoyed European travel and especially appreciated time in his favorite city, London. Tom was an avid reader and book collector. His personal library focused on non-fiction books and books on obscure and unique topics. He was a stamp collector with a specific interest in his European collection. Tom also had an extensive collection of music and movies. He was a history buff, especially interested in military and European history. He also had a map collection and spent numerous hours studying maps. Tom also enjoyed collecting famous quotations, little-known facts and interesting tidbits. In his spare time, Tom enjoyed sporting events, plays at the Stage Company and musicals at McLeod Summer Playhouse, and was a member of the McLeod Summer Playhouse Board. He also found great joy in his nieces, nephews and their children.
He was preceded in death by his father, mother and brother Norman H. North.
A celebration of life service will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 24, 2018, at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale with the Rev. Alan Rhein officiating. Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until the start of service. Interment will follow right after the service at Oakland Cemetery in Carbondale.
The preferred forms of remembrances are to the McLeod Summer Playhouse or Stage Company. Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale is in charge of arrangements. To share a story or memory of Thomas, visit meredithfh.com.