Thomas Burrus July 13, 1949-October 28, 2017 Thomas M. Burrus, 68, of rural Arenzville, Ill., died Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, at his residence. He was born July 13, 1949, in Jacksonville, the son of Martin Gayle and Jeanette Sullivan Burrus. He married Marcy Bramley of Divernon on Feb. 2, 1969, at the First Presbyterian Church in Divernon. He is survived by Marcy; two daughters, Lori (Tim) Greene of Concord and Gail (Chad) Mitchell of Forsyth; four grandchildren, Griffin Greene, Gannon Greene, Taylor Mitchell and Pete Mitchell; one brother, Todd (Deb) Burrus of Arenzville; and several nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Rebecca Oliver. Tom worked at Burrus Seed full-time since graduating from Illinois College in 1971. He was serving as president of Burrus Bros. & Assoc. Growers. He was actively involved in his local community as well as the seed industry. He served on several boards, including two terms as a board member and former president of Independent Professional Seed Assoc. (IPSA), Illinois Crop Improvement Assoc. and 33 years as a board member with six years as board chair of Illinois Foundation Seed, Inc., building upon his father’s work, who was a founding board member in 1937. Additionally, Tom served two terms on the Passavant Area Hospital board of directors, a five-year term as an Illinois College Alumni Trustee and a Trustee for the Gamma Nu Literary Society. He was a commissioner of the Coon Run Drainage District. Tom served in many capacities at the Arenzville United Methodist Church. Tom’s dedication to the independent seed industry was recognized by numerous accolades throughout his life, including the 2010 IPSA Industry Service Award, an Honorary Life Member Award from the Illinois Seed Trade Assoc. and induction into the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce Agri-Industry Hall of Fame in March 2010. He was also an ardent supporter of his alma mater. Tom, along with Marcy, was named the 2016 Illinois College Homecoming Parade Marshall and received the Young Alumni Award in 1988. Tom’s life was exemplified by his strident support and unwavering advocacy of the independent seed industry and the farmers they served. Known for putting the farmers’ needs first, he truly believed in the value of service and integrity. A funeral service was held Nov. 2 at Grace United Methodist Church in Jacksonville. Private interment was in Arenzville North Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Arenzville United Methodist Church, Passavant Area Hospital Foundation or the IPSA Scholarship. The Williamson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com |
