Thomas Leon "Tom" Lusch, age 87, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away at 12:58 P.M. on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia, Illinois. He was born on April 16, 1928 in Odin, Illinois, the son of Joseph William and Mary (Moore) Lusch. He married Doris Jean Williams on January 2, 1950 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Sandoval, Illinois and she preceded him in death on February 12, 2013.

Mr. Lusch is survived by his daughter, Sherry Hill and husband Jerry of Centralia, Illinois, his grandson, Michael Parks and wife Jennifer of Noblesville, Indiana, his granddaughter, Cindy Sinklier and significant other Matthew Paquette of Junction City, Kansas, 6 great-grandchildren, Courtney Sinklier, Tyler Sinklier, Allison Parks, Colton Paquette, Jake Oaks and Carly Oaks and special neighborhood friends, Lester and Mary Ellen, Leroy, Mary and family, Roxann and family, Sue, Fred, Toni and Larry.

In addition to his wife of 63 years, Mr. Lusch was preceded in death by his parents, daughter,
Janet Parks and brother William "Bill" Lusch.

Mr. Lusch was a former member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Sandoval, Illinois. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving as a military policeman while stationed in Japan during World War II from September 13, 1946 until December 19, 1947. He was a member of the Centralia Veteran of Foreign Wars Post # 2055. He enjoyed fishing and feeding birds, squirrels and other animals in his yard. As it was said by his family, it was his life to set in his lawn chair on the front porch and visit with his neighbors. He would joke with them and make them laugh." Earlier in life, he liked to bowl and belonged on bowling leagues. Mr. Lusch cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mr. Lusch retired April 1, 1988 as telegrapher from the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad after 36 years of service. He retired from the Sandoval Volunteer Fire Department. He lived in Centralia, Illinois since 1981 and formerly lived in Sandoval, Illinois.

Celebration of Life Services will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois with Deacon John Hempen officiating. Interment will follow in the Hillcrest Memorial Park near Centralia, Illinois with military rites accorded by the Centralia V.F.W. Post # 2055 and American Legion Post # 446. Friends may call from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Friday, May 22, 2015 at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home. Memorial Contributions may be made in Mr. Lusch's memory to the Charity of the Donor's Choice and will be received at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois. Online condolences of sympathy may be made to Mr. Lusch's family at www.moranfuneralhome.net or on Facebook.