Thomas Harvey Kilby

Tom Kilby died at 87 years of age on November 17, following a short bout of pneumonia. In his final days, he was surrounded by his nieces and grand-nieces, nephews and grand-nephews, and the compassionate staff at Saint Clara’s Senior Care in Lincoln, IL.

Tom was born on May 11, 1937, to Nadine Mileur and James Allen Kilby in rural Southern Illinois. He was raised with his sisters Mary Jo and Linda, and his brothers Jim Jr., Joe and Donny. He was educated at a one-room country school, followed by High School in Murphysboro, IL.

After graduation Tom moved to Chicago with his brother Jim, where he worked at Warner Bros. In 1956 he went to work at JT Blankenship & Assoc as a surveyor. Tom and Jim enlisted together in the Army in 1960, where he proudly served in Germany. Upon his return to Illinois, Tom established himself as a portrait photographer and Little League Baseball coach. His hobbies included model trains and collecting baseball cards.

Tom spent many years taking care of his mother, Nadine, in Murphysboro, IL. During this time, he worked as a portrait photographer and spent a lot of time at the town park coaching Little League Baseball. He was also a model railroad enthusiast. After his mother’s passing in 1994, Tom moved to Raleigh, NC to work at Barefoot Press, his nephew’s printing company. In 1998 he moved to Bradenton, FL where he worked building museum displays at Dreamweaver Studios. In 2000 he returned to Southern Illinois.

Tom outlived all of his siblings. He leaves behind surviving nieces and nephews: Joe Boals, Bob Boals, Richard Kilby, Andrea Kilby Young, Jeff Benz, Monique Kilby Davis, Amy Benz Hollingsworth, Gabrielle Kilby, Nathaniel Kilby, Howard Kilby, Lincoln Kilby and Cybèle Kilby.

He will be remembered for his interest in politics, passion for poetry and music, love of baseball, and sharp sense of humor. Tom was a wonderful storyteller, and a walking encyclopedia of 20th century history and culture. He could recite Dylan Thomas poetry, Tom Petty and Bob Dylan lyrics, and Brother Dave’s comedy. Tom had an almost photographic memory and kept a detailed family history in his head. He loved pipe tobacco, hot black coffee, Dubble Bubble gum, and Riesen candy.

Tom Kilby made an impact on all who knew him. He was kind, sensitive, passionate, self-deprecating, and honest. He will be remembered by the caregivers who came to know him in his final years. He is dearly missed by his family and loyal friends.

Graveside Military Honors will take place in Murphysboro, IL, at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Tower Grove Cemetery. Friends and family will gather afterwards at Giant City Lodge to share memories and celebrate Tom’s life.

Final Arrangements were Lovingly Entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Servies of Murphysboro, Illinois.