Thomas W. DeYoung

Thomas W. DeYoung, 77, of St. Anne, passed away Monday, July 15, 2024, at his home. He was born November 28, 1946, in Kankakee, the son of Morris and Rose (DeMik) DeYoung. On June 10, 1967, he married Mary A. Laney at St. Anne Catholic Church. Thomas graduated from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with Bachlor’s Degrees in Agronomy and Agricultural Economics. He was a member of Life Compass Church, Kankakee. If you knew Thomas, you knew 3 things. He loved farming, his family, and the Lord. As a husband of 57 years and father for 50, he was the cornerstone of the family, leading them with love and wisdom. Thomas was the family’s strength, and rock, holding them all together, especially in rough times. He loved farming and was very proud of their centennial farm, which he lived on his 77 years of life. His love for farming was not just a job, but a passion and way of life that he shared with the next two generations, instilling in them the values of hard work and determination. Thomas had a heart for helping people and was the one that many called on first in need. Everywhere he went, he shared his faith, whether in words or in his actions. He was constantly seeking to know the character of God to be a Christlike example to those around him. He cared for so many and carried the burdens of others. Now, he is no longer in pain and is at peace in heaven. We can only imagine the joy and comfort he must feel, surrounded by the love of our Heavenly Father, experiencing the beauty and glory of eternal life. He was a faithful servant till the end, and we know he heard these words as he entered heaven’s gate: “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21,23). Thomas is survived by his beloved wife, Mary A. DeYoung of St. Anne; three children, Greg (Michelle) DeYoung of Overland Park, KS, Scott (Lisa) DeYoung of St. Anne, and Tammy (Brian) Earsley of Bourbonnais; grandchildren, Kale & Thade DeYoung, Travis, Taylor, Tiffany, & Tessa DeYoung, and Austin (Amy), Alex, Laney, & Gabriel Earsley; great granddaughter, Elizabeth and one great grand baby girl on the way; brothers, James (Kathryn) DeYoung of Carbondale, Edward (Grace) DeYoung of Barrington, Donald (Sherry) DeYoung of Barnett, MO, & Andrew (Cherie) DeYoung of Arcola; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents and in-laws, Leroy and Mildred Laney. Visitation will be held Friday, July 19, 2024, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Life Compass Church, Kankakee. Additional visitation will be held Saturday, July 20, 2024, from 10 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. at Life Compass Church with Pastor Ken Tueck officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Wichert. Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family.