Interment with Full Military Honors

St. Joseph's Cemetery in Harvard, Illinois

Obituary:

Thomas "Tom" Doty, 87, of Cabool, Missouri and formerly of Harvard, IL passed away at his home on Thursday, July 11, 2019.  Thomas was born December 20, 1931 in Beloit, Wisconsin with most of his growing years at St. Vincent's Home in Freeport, IL. before becoming a foster son to William and Frances Hooper.

Tom served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War. He then worked for many years at Badger Marine Hardware where he met the love of his life, Beverly (Bev) Smith.  Tom and Bev were married on June 29, 1958. Together, Tom and Bev built and owned Tommie's Greenhouse in Harvard.  Tom enjoyed floral arranging, growing vegetable and garden plants and later in life, woodworking.  He was also an avid pet lover.

Upon his retirement in 1998, Tom moved to Cabool MO and was a very active member of the VFW Post 473. He served many years as the Post Adjutant and on Friday nights was found running pull-tabs at Bingo.

The Roman Catholic Church was always a focal point in his life whether at St. Joseph's Church in Harvard, IL or Sacred Heart Church in Willow Springs, MO.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Bev in 1977; his foster parents, William and Frances Hooper; his foster sisters, Regina Kiefer and Jean Vesper and in-laws, Conrey and Bernice Smith. He is survived by his daughters, Cathy (Paul) Spitz of Bloomington, IL, Judy of Darien, IL and Pam (Jay) Wicks of Lake Geneva, WI; along with grandsons, Michael Wicks, Sharon, WI; and Marine LCpl Tyler Wicks who is currently deployed; and his cherished pets Lady, Tanner and Jack.