Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home

1435 State Street

Quincy, Illinois

Tom VanDyke Obituary

Tom Van Dyke, 77, of Quincy, passed away at 3:19 pm Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

Tom was born November 17, 1946, in Quincy, IL to Donald and Aloise (O'Donnell) Van Dyke. He was married to Sally Madison, and she preceded him in death.

Tom graduated from Christian Brothers in 1965 and soon after answered the call of duty by serving in the United States Navy from 1967 to 1969. Upon returning to civilian life, Tom continued to serve his community as a meal site coordinator at the Quincy Senior Center, where his warmth and generosity touched many lives. Tom was catholic by faith.

Tom was a man of many passions. He had an unwavering love for his dog, Calley, and spent many joyful hours at dog shows across Purina Farms, Wisconsin, and Springfield. His love for country music was only matched by his interest in crime stories, which he enjoyed watching and reading about. An avid reader, Tom also relished the challenge of puzzles and crosswords, and he never missed a chance to cheer on his beloved St. Louis Cardinals. He will be deeply missed by all of those who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his significant other of 14 years, Sheri Davis; three children Thomas L. Van Dyke II of Marshalltown, IA, Don Van Dyke (Angela) of Quincy, and Tonya Boll of Quincy; seven grandchildren, Abram and Delilah Van Dyke, Miley, Madeline, and Hayden Van Dyke, Shelby Schwartz, and Andrew Boll; and one great grandchild, Dylan Schwartz.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and one brother, Don G. Van Dyke.

Memorial contributions may be made to Quincy Senior Nutrition Project (Meals on Wheels).

Online condolences may be shared, and video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Herald-Whig on Oct. 18, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Tom VanDyke

Sponsored by O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home.

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

Bev Pryor

October 19, 2024

Sherry if there is anything I can do to help you, please let me know. I´m so sorry.

Beverly Pryor

October 19, 2024

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in Tom VanDyke's name

Memorial Events
for Tom VanDyke

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home

1435 State Street, Quincy, IL 62301

How to support Tom's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Tom VanDyke's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more