Thomas D. "Tom" Mighell

November 13, 1959 - January 30, 2018

Thomas D. “Tom” Mighell, age 58, a resident of rural Vienna, passed away Tuesday evening, January 30, 2018, at 10 PM at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Marion, Illinois. Tom was born November 13, 1959 in Chicago Heights, Illinois. He was the son of Jackie “Jack” Dean Mighell and Patricia “Pat” (Preble) Mighell. Tom is survived by: His mother – Pat Mighell of Vienna; a sister – Judy (Gary) Murray of Goreville; nieces – Heather (Eric) McIlwain of Vienna and Sarah (Eric) Blades of Marion; great nieces – Harley and Hailee McIlwain; a great nephew – Nathen McIlwain; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of friends. Tom was preceded in death by his father – Jack; paternal grandparents – Donald and Anna (King) Mighell; maternal grandparents – Thomas and Marjorie (Druehl) Preble; an uncle – Ward Mighell; an aunt – Judy Shoemake; and a cousin – Kenneth Mighell. Tom was a 1978 graduate of Vienna High School. Following graduation, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served faithfully and was the recipient of a sea service deployment ribbon, a navy expeditionary medal (for service in the Indian Ocean), and a battle efficiency “E” Ribbon. Tom served aboard the USS Robert H. McCard DD882 as well as the USS Butte (AE-27). He served as a machinist mate and was a member of the firefighting team. Tom was honorably discharged on August 15, 1982. He was a life member of the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222. Tom was employed in the construction trade and had worked as a welder for Holcomb Manufacturing as well as Transcraft, Inc. Later, he worked as a deck hand for Ingram Barge Company. Tom was a member of the Lutheran faith and was baptized on January 24, 1960. He enjoyed shooting pool and had been a member of a pool league. Tom also enjoyed riding four wheelers, and assembling model cars. For over 40 years, Tom collected Budweiser beer steins. Tom, who was affectionately known as “Uncle Tom” to many, had a zest for life and enjoyed it to the fullest. He cherished time spent with his family and friends. A service honoring the life of Tom Mighell will be conducted Monday morning, February 5, 2018, at 10 AM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Pastor Jim Rivett will officiate. Burial will be in the Mt. Zion Cemetery near Buncombe. Military honors will be accorded by the U.S. Navy Burial Honors Detail and the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post 5222. Visitation will be held Sunday evening, February 4, 2018, from 5 PM – 8 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Memorials may be made to the Heather Harper Treat Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 98, Vienna, IL 62995 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222, P.O. Box 561, Vienna, IL 62995.