Thomas "Tom" V. Gentry

Thomas "Tom" Gentry, 77, of Carterville, passed away Friday, June 1, 2018, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. 

Services will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 5, 2018, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Rev. T.J. Gentry, officiating.  Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery in Carterville.  Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m., Monday, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to Fellowship In Christ Christian Church in Carterville,  St. Francis Care Animal Shelter in Murphysboro, or to Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Tom was born on November 4, 1940, in Herrin, to Claud "Chaw" and Thelma (Collins) Gentry. He married Wanda L. Cowan on February 4, 1961, in Carterville.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Wanda Gentry of Carterville; daughters, Pam Jeralds of Carterville, Jennifer (Tim) Smith of Carbondale and Kelly (Brooks) Venable of Carterville; sons, T.J. (Amy) Gentry and Paul (Kristen) Gentry, all of Carterville; grandchildren, Josh Jeralds and Sean (Natalie) Jeralds, all of Carterville, Kelsey (Keith) Larkin and Wes (Shelbi) Smith, all of Carbondale, Kaci Venable, Joseph Venable, Rachel Venable, Ireland Gentry, Gwyneth Gentry, Ashton Gentry, Jesse Gentry, and Jude Gentry, all of Carterville, Andrew (Nikki) Gentry of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Brigitte Gentry, Natalie Gentry, and Braden Gentry, all of Carterville; great-grandchildren, Ridge Jeralds, Allie Larkin, Lane Smith, Harrison Smith, Russell Smith, Hallie Romero, and Meadow Romero; and a host of friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Paul Franklin; sister, Georgia Baker; in-laws, Richard (Elsie) Cowan; and grandson, Samuel Gentry.

He had worked in several area coal mines. Tom also worked for several car dealerships, retiring from Lakeland Ford. He co-owned and operated Interior/Exterior Painting in Carterville for many years.  Tom and Wanda also owned and operated Inside & Out Decorating Center in Carterville. Tom was the owner of the original Sweat Shop Mini Gym in Carterville.

Tom was a talented woodworker who loved being outdoors, especially in his yard.

He was very active in the community and several organizations. Tom was a faithful member of Fellowship in Christ Christian Church where he served as church Elder. He also was a member of the Blue Heron Marina, past president of the Carterville Lions Club and past president of the Jaycees. Tom served Carterville as an Alderman with the City Council for more than 32 years.

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