Thomas W. Atherton Jr.

Thomas "Tom" Atherton, 82, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on Sunday December 1, 2024, with his family at his side. Born on June 7, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois, Tom was the son of Thomas and Margaret (McKay) Atherton. He attended New Lenox Grade and High Schools. Tom was a veteran of the U.S. Army. In 1960 he married Sandra "Sandy" Stephens. He was an Operating Engineer and member of I.U.O.E. Local 150. Tom was also a 50 Year member of the A.F.&A.M. Matteson Lodge No. 175.

Tom enjoyed being with his family. He enjoyed playing cards and watching sports on television. He also enjoyed cutting grass and taking care of his yard which he kept in park like condition.

Survivers include his wife of 64 years, Sandy, his sons,Thomas (Tari) Atherton of Florida; John (Christine) Atherton of Arizona; his daughter Christine (Chris) Patterson of Braidwood, IL. 

Eight Grandchildren- Kristie (Marc) Girardet of Oregon; Katie (Mike) Bols of Mazon, IL; Kellie Calderon of Coal City, IL; Olivia (Gent) Silberkleit of California; Jared (Kelly) Atherton of Florida; Alex (Chris) DeLaRosa of Braidwood, IL; Isaac (Emma) Sawyer of Kentucky; and Steven Patterson of Braidwood, IL.

Seven Greatgrandchildren- Drake McPherson of Florida; Haelyn McPherson of Oregon; Michael Bols of Mazon, IL; Theo, Evan and Gillian Calderon of Coal City, IL; and Barrett "Bear" DeLaRosa of Braidwood, IL.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and a son-in-law, Bart Sawyer.

Cremation services and arrangments have been made under the direction of Genuine Care Cremations. Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs and share Tom's memorial page via social media. Interment will be at Abraham Lincoln Cemetery in Elwood, IL. and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.