Tommie D Spurlin

POPLAR GROVE - Tommie D. “Tom” Spurlin, 78, of Poplar Grove, IL, passed away peacefully at 12:46 AM, Friday, February 23, 2024 at his home.

A Funeral Service in honor of Mr. Spurlin will be held at 12:00 PM, Wednesday, February 28, 2024at Hohlt & File Funeral Home, Vandalia, IL with Rev. Robert Weaver officiating. Interment will follow in Fairlawn Cemetery, Vandalia. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 11:00AM12:00PM, Wednesday, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to the National Park Foundation or the American Cancer Society of Illinois. Online condolences can be expressed at www. hohltandfilefh.com.

Tommie Dale Spurlin was born on May 24, 1945 in Vandalia, IL, the son of Arno Lyle and Mary Amelia (Cheshier) Spurlin. He married Donna Kay Bare on June 10, 1978. Together, they celebrated 45 wonderful years of marriage and raised two children.

In his younger years, Tom was a very proficient tennis player. He was awarded many trophies throughout his junior high, high school tennis career. He continued the sport while attending Greenville College where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree. Tom then furthered his education and eventually received his Master’s. He began teaching for the Belvidere Community Unit School District #100 and retired after 36 years of employment. Tom taught physical education at the elementary school as well as a variety of grade levels throughout his career. While teaching, he was also the high school tennis coach; receiving the Nic-9 Tennis Coach of the Year Award in 1978.

Among his passion for both teaching and tennis, Tom had an avid love of history and nature. He enjoyed traveling to many historical sites across the country; taking appreciation in walking the paths of his ancestors. Tom had the privilege to visit nearly all of the 50 States. While traveling, he loved to camp and take in the beauty of all nature.

Mr. Spurlin is survived by his wife, Donna Spurlin of Poplar Grove, IL; daughter, Lori Spurlin-Beecher and wife Heidi of Gilroy, CA; son, Tighe Spurlin and wife Andrea McKeever of Portland, OR; extended family & numerous friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jimmie Lyle Spurlin.