Thomas Gary Fife, age 82 of Hamel, IL, died Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Alhambra Rehab & Health Care in Alhambra, IL.

He was born on Wednesday, March 3, 1943, in Tyronza, AR, the son of George and Eliza (nee Culbertson) Fife.

On Saturday, September 12, 1970, he married Shirley Lee Fife (nee Meier) who survives.

He was a member of Local 640 Teamsters in St. Louis, Missouri and American Legion Post #199 in Edwardsville, Illinois.

Thomas was born in Tyronza, Arkansas. His family moved to Edwardsville, Illinois, where he completed his GED. While in high school, he set pins at a bowling alley to help support his family. Thomas drove for Cassen’s Transport for many years, retiring 20 years ago. In retirement, he worked for McKay Auto delivering parts. Thomas loved sitting on the porch and talking to squirrels and hummingbirds. He enjoyed mowing the grass. He was a “Red Man” Tobacco man. Thomas enjoyed watching western shows.

Survivors include:
Wife - Shirley Lee Fife (nee Meier)
Son - Chad E. Fife, Hamel, IL
Adopted Son - Steven P. Price, Hamel, IL
Family Friends - Numerous
Neighbors - Numerous
Friends - Numerous

He was preceded in death by:
Father - George Anderson Fife (dod 3/15/1961)
Mother - Eliza Fife, nee Culbertson (dod 5/12/2002)
Brother - John Fife
Brother - James Fife
Sister - Mae Davis, nee Fife
Brother - Chuck Fife

Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Illinois.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Dauderman Mortuary in Hamel, IL.

Funeral service will be at 7:00 PM on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Dauderman Mortuary in Hamel, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to Troy Bethel Baptist Church.