Thomas Jefferson Price

Thomas Jefferson Price IV, affectionately known as "Tom", passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home in New Braunfels, TX, on June 14, 2023, at the age of 88. Born the son of Thomas Jefferson "Jeff" Price III & Frances (Wood) Price on May 5, 1935, in Oblong, IL, Tom's early years were spent in Oblong, where his cherished childhood memories included fishing in Oblong Lake and working at his grandparents' movie theater in town. He graduated from Oblong High School in 1953 and went on to attend Letourneau Tech in Longview, TX, for two years. Tom then enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Alabama and overseas in Italy. During his service, he was part of the Ground Handling System for the Corporal Missile.

Tom married the love of his life, Virginia "Ginny" McGahey, on December 31, 1957, forever ensuring he would never forget their anniversary (smart man, that Tom!) Over the course of their 65 years together, they created many wonderful memories, including their time spent in Italy, swimming in the Adriatic Sea. After being honorably discharged from the Army in September of 1959, Tom enrolled in Tri-State College (now Trine University), where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Beginning in June of 1962, he put his newfound knowledge to work at General Tire, where he would spend the next 32 ½ years before retiring in December of 1994. Over the course of his impressive career, Tom held various positions with the company, moving from the ranks of field engineer all the way to truck tire sales. His expertise in the field allowed him to craft a design that he would go on to patent, an accomplishment of which he was particularly (and rightfully) proud.

Tom's personality could light up a room, and his knack for banter and socializing led to few (if any) dull moments throughout his 88 years with us. He loved the thrill of deer and quail hunting and taking part in dove shoots. He was also quite the fishing aficionado. In fact, we cannot be so sure that he didn't marry Ginny to gain access to her family's three fishing ponds! This passion led him to join the Mt. Vernon Gun & Sportsman Club and the Eastern Illinois Sportsman's Club, and he was also a lifetime member of the Robinson Elks Lodge #1188 and a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post #69 as well.

He also stayed busy keeping his lawn picture-perfect, as his dedication to yard maintenance would put any novice mower to shame. When Tom wasn't perfecting his green thumb, he dabbled in the art of cane-making, using a Dremel tool to create more than 100 canes topped with mushroom carvings. Naturally, he gifted these masterpieces to friends and family, and also gave away innumerable pocketknives from his vast collection, providing us with tangible tokens of remembrance that we can cherish for years to come.

Tom was a lively and sociable man known for his humor and love for conversation. He was greatly admired for his ability to bring warmth and joy wherever he went. He never met a stranger he couldn't make laugh, and his memorable presence left an indelible mark on loved ones and acquaintances alike. That being said, Tom's family was at the center of his world, and he cherished all the time he spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter. His memory will continue to inspire them and warm the hearts of all who had the distinct privilege of knowing Tom Price.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Virginia "Ginny" Price (New Braunfels, TX); his son & daughter-in-law, Thomas Jefferson "Jeff" Price V & Lori Price (Smiley, TX); his four grandchildren, Megan & Chad Hurtgen (Crystal City, MO), Larry & Kayla Price (Imperial, MO), Nicole Price (DeSoto, MO), and Victoria & Anthony Jackson (Imperial, MO); and his great-granddaughter, Lilee Hurtgen (Crystal City, MO). He will also be lovingly remembered by his numerous nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his sister & brother-in-law, Becky & Bill Bandy.

Tom's family would like to thank the staff of Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home in New Braunfels for the extraordinary care they received following his passing.

A time of visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 29th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson, IL. At the conclusion of the visitation, military honors will be accorded by the combined units of the U.S. Army, the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. Memorial contributions may be made to the organization or charity of the donor's choice, with memorial envelopes available at the funeral home.