Thomas Sheeler

Thomas “Tom” Edgar Sheeler, 86, of Belleville, IL, born December 20, 1938, in Coulterville, IL, passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Oak Hill Nursing Home, Waterloo, IL, surrounded by his family.

Tom served in the United States Army. He worked as a photolithographer at World Color Press, Sparta, IL, and later at Cadmus Communications in Richmond, VA, until his retirement. Tom was a member of Union United Methodist Church, Belleville, IL, where he actively participated in the Union Men’s group and Horticulture Club. Tom believed in serving his community and belonged to many organizations, including the Charles A. Woodford American Legion Post 2007, the Randolph County American Bible Society, and a was charter member of the Randolph County Rod and Gun Club. He also volunteered for Beacon in Belleville, IL. Tom was a University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener, an avid outdoorsman, and a St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Curtis and Margaret, nee O’Neill, Sheeler; two brothers, Franklin and Charles “Bud” Sheeler; three sisters, Helen (Roger) Hood, Marguerite Menefee, and Joan (Rex) Hurst.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Betty Sheeler, nee Harriss, whom he married on January 22, 1966, in New Athens, IL. two daughters, Jena (John) Brown of Chester, IL, and Melissa (Andrew) Wilkerson of Belleville, IL; four grandchildren, Nathaniel (Sidney) Stewart, Megan Stewart (fiancé, Seth Buch), Drew Wilkerson, and Evan Wilkerson; one great-granddaughter, Aubree Stewart; two sisters-in-law, Anna Marie Sheeler and Leola Sheeler; numerous nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

Memorials may be made to the Union United Methodist Church, Belleville, IL. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may visit from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, October 3, 2025, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Union United Methodist Church, Belleville, IL.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Union United Methodist Church, Belleville, IL, with Pastor Joe Scheets officiating.

Luncheon following the service at Union United Methodist Church, Belleville, IL.

Burial with military honors will be at Coulterville City Cemetery, Coulterville, IL.

Obit Provided By:
Renner Funeral Home