Tom A. Makeever

Tom Makeever, age 74, of Ottawa, IL, completed his earthly journey on July 29, 2022. Tom was born March 1, 1948 in Bowling Green, Kentucky, a son of Raymond and Elaine Makeever. The family moved to Ottawa when Tom was very young, and that is where he completed his primary education, before graduating with both bachelors and masters degrees from college. He married the love of his life, Kathryn F. Makeever on November 25, 1989 and together they made their home in Ottawa, IL for the last 32 years.

Tom was a man of integrity and honor, a lover of God, family and friends. The details of Tom’s life reflect the descriptor “renaissance man” – a person who consciously, methodically learns and practices a wide variety of endeavors. Some of Tom’s endeavors included; music (a professional clarinetist/saxophone player), sports (a competitive basketball and tennis player), educator (past band director and private lesson instructor), computer programmer, wood worker, photographer, hiker, “Tooth Fairy” (dental courier), handyman and above all a dedicated, loving husband and father.

Tom’s philosophical nature was supported by his collection of sayings and verses that he found meaningful. He had perfect timing in sharing these in situations; from “A stranger is a friend you haven’t met yet” to a saying that made him ever present for whoever he was speaking with; “There’s no place I’d rather be than right here, right now”, to his attitude about sports and life; “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathryn; one daughter, Emily Makeever; and five brothers, Ray Makeever (Linda), Jerry Makeever (Susan), Ron Makeever (Diane), Bob Makeever (Susan) and Michael Makeever; and many loving nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held 11:30 A.M. on Thursday, August 4, 2022 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ottawa, IL, with Rev. Bruno Byomuhangi officiating. Interment will follow in St. Columba Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. Thursday at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Ron Makeever, Matt Makeever, Kiley Hagi, Adam Sims, Harvey Johnson and Don Schildgen. Honorary pallbearers will be Ray Makeever, Jerry Makeever, Bob Makeever and Mike Makeever.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions be directed to St. Patrick’s Church in Ottawa, or to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. To share a memory or sign the online guestbook, please visit www.gladfelter-roetker.com or Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home on Facebook.