Thomas Schooler

Danville Thomas Roy Schooler (Sparky), 75, of Danville, Illinois, passed away on 8/18/23 at Carle in Urbana, Illinois surrounded by family. His big heart was just too tired.

Tom was born to the parents of Otis Benton and Georgeann (Burton) Schooler, on October 3, 1947, in Danville, Illinois. Tom graduated from Danville High School in 1965. He was a member of the Second Church of Christ and baptized there in 1961. Tom went to work at General Electric and was drafted in the Army, which led him to Pleiku, Vietnam. He proudly served his country. He returned to work at General Electric and received an electronics associate degree from Danville Area Community College. While at G.E., Tom made so many friends that carried on beyond the final closing of the Danville plant. It wasnt just work; it was family.

From there, Tom transferred with Valmont to El Paso, Texas. There it changed hands again and Tom found himself the last one to close the doors at SLI Lighting. He relocated back to the Danville Area to be closer to family and retired from Thyssen Krupp Machining. One thing people might remember Tom saying was "less talkie and more workie".

He married Armilda Jo Morran (Jodiy), the love of his life, May 8, 1974, who survives him. During their 49-year marriage, they loved to travel and were looking forward to more adventures but didnt have the chance due to his illness. Tom is also survived by son, Rick Schooler (Sydney) and daughter Tammy ONeal (Tony) both of Covington, Indiana. Tom has three grandchildren, Andrew Schooler and Brian Schooler of North Carolina along with Tyler ONeal of Lincoln, Illinois. Tom just had a great-granddaughter, Cecilia Marie Schooler. He is survived by his sister, Dana Blackburn, of Colorado with nieces and nephews. Tom also leaves behind his beloved cat, Miss Daisy.

Tom was predeceased by parents Otis and Georgeann Schooler along with a sister, Sharon Sue Schooler. Tom also had a son dearly missed, Brian Keith Schooler.

Tom enjoyed working on electricity, welding, and wood working, but always said he hated to work on plumbing. He loved to work out in the yard. He would never admit it, but he did love his cats too. Toms work ethic and desire to take care of his family was always the most important to him along with his love for our country. He did travel frequently for the companies he worked for but found himself in awe of the support he received from a return Honor Flight. Tom always thought that if you are healthy enough to go and qualify, you should take this trip of a lifetime. The people that organize this program go above and beyond to make the veterans of Vietnam have the homecoming they should have received all those years ago.

A father like you is rare, one thats so generous, smart, and kind. A father like you is what everyone needs, full of smiles and a little laughter, always doing great deeds. Nothing can replace a father like you, but when you get to heaven, God will be lucky to have you too.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, August 28, 2023 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834. Kevin Mims will officiate. Burial will be in Lower Mound Cemetery, Covington, IN with Military Rites accorded by American Legion Post 210 Honor Guard. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 27, 2023 from 2-4:00 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Thomas memory to Honor Flight.

Please join Thomas family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .