Thomas E. Lively

To join the livestream broadcast of Tom's service, please select the link below. The livestream will commence at 12:55 P.M. Tuesday, March 3, 2026, and will be archived for 90 days following the service for later viewing. https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/7PAVG7 Thomas E. Lively, age 76 years, a resident of Goreville and a former resident of Du Quoin, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday evening, February 25, 2026, at 6:23 P.M. at Mercy Health-Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, Kentucky. Tom was born November 6, 1949 in Perry County Illinois. He was the son of Archie Thomas Lively and Jane Lee (LaBrier) Lively. On April 18, 1980, Tom was united in marriage to Sandy D. Craig in New Madrid, Missouri. Together, Tom and Sandy have shared almost 46 years of marriage. In addition to his beloved wife, Tom is survived by: 3 children – Shane (Amanda) Clark of Goreville, Illinois, Shanda Lively and Missy Ford both of Du Quoin, Illinois; 5 grandchildren – Shale Ray Clark, Elaina Grace Lively, Austin Ford, Dylan Ford, and Cameron Ford; 5 great grandchildren – Damian, Grayson, Jocelyn, Harland, and Kamara; a brother – Richard Odell (Pat) Lively and 2 sisters – Charlotte Keller and Minerva (Steve) Fred all of Du Quoin, Illinois; as well as a sister-in-law – Dianne Lively of Pinckneyville, Illinois; Tom also leaves his favorite baby dog – Smokey. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by – a sister – Cheta VanBuskirk and a brother – Archie Kyle Lively. Tom attended Du Quoin High School. He joined the U.S. Army in 1969. He served during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Germany where he operated a tank in the German-Czechoslovakian border area. He was honorably discharged from military service on June 29, 1971. Tom was a member of the American Legion Post # 147 in Marion, Illinois. Tom was employed for 52 years by General Cable in Du Quoin, prior to his retirement. He is, to date, the longest tenured employee of the firm and worked as an extruder operator and later in the die shop. Tom was a faithful Christian and was ordained by Apostolic Truth, Inc. He has formerly served as assistant pastor at the Pentecostals of Lick Creek, as well as the Dongola United Pentecostal Church and the Anna United Pentecostal Church. More recently, Tom and Sandy worshipped at the First Pentecostal Church in Goreville. Tom and Sandy enjoyed motorcycling and were members of the “Heaven’s Angels” motorcycle club. He also enjoyed vegetable gardening. A worship service honoring the life of Tom Lively will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, March 3, 2026, at 1 P.M. at the First Pentecostal Church, 915 North Broadway, Goreville, Illinois. Pastor Kevin Cox and Pastor Dan McKinnies will officiate. Burial will be in the Busby Chapel Cemetery. Military graveside honors will be accorded. Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 11 A.M. until the funeral hour at 1 P.M. at the church. Contributions may be directed to the family, for future memorial designation. Checks may be made to Sandy Lively and mailed in care of Bailey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 695, Vienna, Illinois. Contribution envelopes will also be available at the church on the day of the service.

Thomas E. Lively

November 6, 1949 - February 25, 2026