Thomas H. Marple

Thomas H. Marple, 84 of Reynolds, died Tuesday, July 21, 2009, at the Mercer County Nursing Home, Aledo. Services will be Friday at 10:30 AM at Speer Funeral Home, Aledo. Burial will be in Reynolds Cemetery. Visitation is Thursday from 4 to 8 PM, with Masonic Services conducted at 8 PM by the Buffalo Prairie Masonic Lodge. Memorials may be left to the Reynolds United Methodist Church, Mercer County Nursing Home or the Reynolds Fire Department and Andalusia Ambulance Service. Tom was born on September 12, 1924 in Buffalo Prairie, Illinois to Ted and Hazel (Martin) Marple. He was united in marriage to Marlin L. Hofer on December 1, 1946 in Taylor Ridge. They farmed together near Reynolds, raising tomatoes and other crops. Tom was a member of the Reynolds United Methodist Church and Buffalo Prairie Masonic Lodge #679. He enjoyed traveling and the years he and Marlin spent their winters in Texas. He enjoyed softball, playing in earlier years and being a spectator in later years. Tom is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marlin; 2 sons and daughters-in-law: Dean & Karen Marple of New Windsor and Ed & Brenda Marple of Reynolds; 4 grandchildren: Matthew & Caroline Marple of Long Island, NY, Marcus & Kate Marple of Waukee, Iowa, Betsy & Eric Carlson of Viola and Tara Thirtyacre of Bettendorf and 4 great-grandchildren: Austin and Autumn Marple, Jonathan Crummy and Max Marple. He was preceded in death by his parents.