Thomas Greathouse

Thomas Asa Greathouse, age 72, passed away while in OSF Hospital in Danville, Illinois, on Tuesday, June 1, 2021.

Tom was the second son of Asa B. Greathouse Jr. of Dudley, IL, and was born in Wilmington, DE, in 1949. He was a 1967 graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1971 and served our country as a signalman on an LST (landing ship tank) in the Vietnam Conflict.

Tom attended Western Wisconsin Technical Institute after his tour in the Navy and was awarded an associate degree in accounting that he put to good use in the Walgreens accounting department at their headquarters in Danville.

He was an avid sports fan of baseball and football. Loved his Bears, Cubs, Fighting Illini, Dodgers and yes, still had a soft spot for the Eagles and Phillies!

Tom spent many years as a volunteer caddy at the Jackie Gleason Inverrary Classic (Honda Classic) and was excited to meet and mingle with many golfing greats.

In 1981, after his move to Danville, he joined the Jaycees as a volunteer.

A close Jaycee friend shared the following:

"(Tom) Joined the Danville Jaycees in 1981 at the Rock a Thon for Muscular Dystrophy. Thomas was generous of his time with the Jaycees and made many lifetime friends while volunteering, training, fundraising, and traveling. He received his JCI Senatorship (#60003) from the Danville Jaycees as well as an Illinois Jaycee Ambassadorship (#145). During the 1990-1991 year Tom served as Chief Ambassador in Illinois. In 2003-2004 he served as a Presidential Assistant for the Illinois JCI Senate. He served as On-To Chair in 2006-2007 for the Illinois Senate. In 2015 Thomas received the Sandra K. "Sam" Barker Memorial Award which is awarded to one who demonstrates an unselfish giving of their time to further the Senate movement in a positive manner with no need of recognition or expectations of gratitude. He was also a Life Member of the Illinois Jaycees Charitable Foundation. His Jaycee and Senate friends were truly family to Thomas."

Tom was a quiet man, with a huge heart. His final charitable act will be as a part of the Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network.

Tom is survived by one brother, David (Lisa) of Chino Hills, CA, one first cousin, Jane Sims of Fort Lauderdale, FL, and eight nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements are through Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center located at 3940 N. Vermilion Street in Danville. A memorial gathering will take place at Fairview Cemetery near Kansas, IL, at a time and date still to be determined.

Please direct any tributes or memorials to your local Jaycees or library.