Thomas R. McNeil, age 83, of 1513 Curtis Creek RD, died on Friday, October 22, 2010 in his home. He was born on September 2, 1927 in Chicago, IL, the son of Thomas J. & Helen M. (Grizzle) McNeil. He married Mary Straub on February 3, 1951 in Bloomington, IL. She survives. Thomas served in the United States Navy during WWII and then served for 20 plus years in the Naval Reserves, with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Mr. McNeil was, along with his father, a co-owner of the 7-up bottling company of Quincy. He was employed at the Quincy Herald Whig in the sales department for many years and then later retired from the Illinois Veterans Home in 1990. He was a member of the Church of St. Peter. Thomas was involved in Historical Re-enactments. He was an avid shooter and member of the NRA. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge. He was an avid reader and lover of books.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by:
SIX CHILDREN: Mary Robinson and her husband Tom of Virginia Beach, VA; Thomas R. McNeil, Jr. and his wife Linda of Quincy; Michael McNeil and his wife Wanda of Hales Corners, WI; James McNeil and his wife Debbie of Quincy; Erin Reece and her husband Ryan of Quincy; and Nora Ross and her husband Ken of Mahwah, NJ.
SIX GRANDCHILDREN: Reeder Robinson, Brian McNeil and his wife Jill, Adam McNeil, Dan McNeil, Lauren Santora and her husband Anthony and Samantha Ross.
ONE GREAT-GRANDCHILD: Maggie McNeil
A SISTER: Sheila McMichael and her husband Charles along with nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at 9:30 in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and at 10:00 in the Church of St. Peter. Interment in St. Boniface Cemetery with military honors conducted at the cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday evening from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the funeral home with a parish prayer service at 6:30. Memorials may be made to the Church of St. Peter or to the Quincy Public Library.