Thomas A. Bleyer

Thomas A. Bleyer, 81, of Marion, passed away on Tuesday, December 14, 2021.

Tom was born in Carterville, Illinois, on December 9, 1940, the son of Albert and Margaret (Tregoning) Bleyer. Along with being a wonderful husband and father, he was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion.

In 1964, he opened Bleyer Insurance Agency and served as the founder and owner for 57 years, retiring in August. He was passionate about the industry and was a member of the Million Dollar Round Table Association.

Tom is survived by his daughters, Brooks Bleyer (Susan) of Marion, Illinois and Lisa Weaver of Marion, Illinois; sons, Kenneth (Emil) Bleyer of Seattle, Washington, Albert Bleyer of Hilo, Hawaii, Charles (Tracee) Bleyer of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, and Phil Bleyer of Arlington, Texas; grandchildren, Madison Weaver, Maggee and Anthony Bleyer, Belinda and Daniel Bleyer, Kendel Bleyer, and Will and Xander Bush; his brother, Jim (James) Bleyer; sister-in-law, Dorothy Bleyer; several nieces and nephews; and dear friend, Nelda Parks.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, O’Mira Bleyer; son, David Bleyer; brothers, Frank Bleyer and William Bleyer; and his parents.

Before sunrise to after sunset, Tom was always on the go. You could find him rain or shine, on his powerwalks around Marion, or strolling the French Quarter in NOLA reminding everyone, “laissez les bons temps rouler” (let the good times roll). And for many, it wasn’t a party until Tom presented one of his legendary quizzes and told his memorable stories. But what many will remember is the advice he would offer those in the midst of adversity, disappointment or just going through some tough times, his soft-spoken, yet powerful voice would say, “Keep On Steppin”.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, December 18, 2021, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, Illinois. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 20, 2021, at Goddard Chapel, in Marion.   Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Children’s Inc., P.O. Box 72848, North Chesterfield, VA 23235 or to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 600 North Russell St., Marion, IL 62959.

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