Tom Ellison
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Lloyd Thomas (Tom) Ellison, age 83, of Tamms, Ill.
Tom was born on Monday, Aug. 10, 1942, and transitioned to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, at his home. He touched many lives with his wisdom and unwavering spirit of kindness.
His favorite quotes to live by were “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31), and “Baseball is ninety percent mental and the other half is physical” (Yogi Berra).
Tom was born to Lloyd T. and Vera (nee Chappell) Ellison in Hammond, Ind. He was raised in South Bend, Ind., and attended Riley High School from 1956-1960.
He moved around whilst pursuing degrees and career goals, living in Houston, Texas, Ypsilanti, Mich., and Ontario, Canada. He attended Eastern Michigan University, attaining a Bachelor of Science in Recreation.
He was the owner operator of Camp Kicci Nahani in Ontario, Canada, and participated in numerous professional organizations including American Trap Shooting, National Skeet Shooting, National Recreation and Parks, and the Northern Ontario Outfitters.
Tom was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1966-1967. He later earned a Master’s in Recreation from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. While attending SIU, he fell in love with the Southern Illinois landscape and chose to reside there permanently.
Tom also worked as a Case Coordinator for a variety of agencies including DCFS, Delta Center, and JR Center. He retired as a Teacher’s Aid from Cape Central High School. Tom was a long-time member of the Anna First Christian Church.
Tom’s truest vocation was to be an amazing father and grandfather. He dedicated the last 38 years of his life to his one and only daughter, Eden. From dance recitals, to girl scout trips, to late night softball tournaments, to camp outs, to college tryouts, to shooting practice, to long road trips, and finally to visiting his three beautiful grandchildren Lilian, Liam, and Isabella. He prioritized being a loving and supportive Father.
Tom was a lifelong learner, athlete, and devoted coach. He enjoyed all sports, but his favorites were baseball, softball, basketball, and football. His favorite baseball team was the Cincinnati Reds. He coached his daughter and many other athletes throughout their softball and baseball careers. He became certified as a Mike Epstein Rotational Hitting Instructor and taught youth hitting lessons.
Tom’s most loved place in this world was his home in the Shawnee National Forest. He was an avid outdoorsman and hunter, spending countless hours enjoying the wonders of nature. He loved animals and always kept one or two dogs at his side.
He loved learning and you could often find his nose in a book, newspaper, or magazine. He was extremely knowledgeable about history, politics, herbology, and animal life. Tom excelled in the art of talking and storytelling.
He never met a stranger, could talk for hours, never forgot a face, and could make the best of any situation.
He is survived by his daughter, Eden Anne (Timothy James) Krejci; and three grandchildren, Lilian Josephine (4), William (Liam) Ellis (4), and Isabella Eden (15 months).
Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Donald Eugene Ellison.
A Family Hosted Celebration of Life will be held at Anna First Christian Church 200 Mallard Ln, Anna, IL 62906 on April 12, 2026 at noon.
We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and all who mourn Tom’s departure. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.
The cremation of Tom Ellison will be personally handled by the staff of Crain Funeral Home.
Crain Funeral Home in Tamms is in charge of arrangements.