Burley "Thom" Thomas Porter's Obituary
Burley “Thom” Thomas Porter, 80 years old of Lebanon, IL, formerly of Red Bud, IL, passed away on December 17, 2023, at Lebanon Care Center in Illinois. He was born June 24, 1943, in Providence, KY.
In his early years, Thom enjoyed following the Dodgers, who had signed his father as a pitcher, and the Chicago Cubs. He proudly served in the US Army, stationed in Germany. Thom followed IndyCar racing with a passion, attending the Indy 500 multiple times along with other races across the country. His own car, a classic Corvette, was a family favorite. Thom was employed for several years as an insurance agent for Prudential, and his hobbies and interests were an important part of his life. As lead singer for the local band The Vincels, Thom took inspiration from Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson, and Roy Orbison. He enjoyed playing softball and shared his appreciation of sports by coaching boys’ baseball and refereeing boys’ basketball. Above all else, Thom was dearly loved by his family.
Surviving are his sons, Gerren (Michele Heidel) Porter and Erik (Nicole) Porter; granddaughters, Reagan and Camdyn Porter; sister, Carolyn (Craig) McCarthy; nieces, Kelly (Pat) Smith and Kerry Lucht; nephews, Brett (Tanya) McCarthy, Vance Porter, Jeremy (Becca) Phillips and Jamie Phillips; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, along with other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Porter; Mom and Dad, Evelyn and Joe Gardner; brother, James “Jim” Porter; nephews, Tony Porter and Scott Porter; and great-niece Hannah Porter.
Visitation will be Thursday, December 21, 2023, from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, at Leesman Funeral Home, Red Bud, IL. A prayer service will be held at 4:00 pm with Monsignor Carl Scherrer officiating. Interment will be a private ceremony.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed towards the family.
For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.
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