- Visitation
Monday, June 4, 2018
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
United Methodist Church, Pocahontas, IL
- Service
Monday, June 4, 2018
12:00 pm
United Methodist Church, Pocahontas, IL.
- Full Obituary
William T. “Tom” Funderburk, 83, of Pocahontas, IL died Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at home, surrounded by his family.
Tom was born, March 13, 1935, in New Berlin, IL, to Lester Ray and Helen Melinda (nee Sexton) Funderburk.
Tom began his working life at age 14 setting fence posts near his hometown for Earl Heater, farmer. At the young age of 16, he opened Tommy’s Service Station (Standard Oil) in Edinburg, IL. He drove oil trucks for Kenland Oil at the age of 20. He started in the restaurant business at age 24 and never left it. His experience began at the Bel Air Restaurant in Greenville, IL. He then worked for Holiday Inn in Springfield, IL, and eventually transferred to Rockford, IL. In 1968 Tom began operating the Powhatan Restaurant in Pocahontas, IL, (opening the restaurant on the same day that Exit 36 to Pocahontas opened on Interstate 70). In 1986, he added the Southern Edge Restaurant in Greenville, IL. He operated both restaurants until his retirement in 1994. From 1994-2002, Tom worked in his brother Bob’s restaurant, Lu-Bob’s, in Greenville, IL, and his son’s restaurants, Troy’s Triple Nickel in Greenville and Pierron, IL. In 2002 he partnered with his son and daughter-in-law to open Funderburk’s in Pocahontas which continues to operate.
Tom loved the rural life and spent many years raising livestock and tinkering around his farm land. He also enjoyed traveling, attending Willie Nelson concerts, snowmobiling in northern Wisconsin, spending time with friends and family, and arguing about politics with anyone. In his final years, Tom could be most often found socializing over coffee at Funderburk’s or Lu-Bob’s. Tom always supported many local causes and organizations and felt those serving our youth were especially important.
He is survived by his Wife, Nellie Jean (Atwood) Funderburk; Children, Pamela (Dave) Clanton, Pocahontas, IL, Thomas R. (Dana) Funderburk, Kirksville, MO, W. Troy (Tracy) Funderburk, Pocahontas, IL; Stepson, Jim (Brenda) Snow, Greenville, IL; Stepdaughters, Debbie (Earl) McCormick, Coffeen, IL, Carol (Randy) Weiss, Highland, IL; 13 Grandchildren; Brothers, Lester Ray (Helen) Funderburk, Jr., Robert (Debbie) Funderburk, Alfred (Kay) Funderburk; Brother-in-Law, Dwight Anderson; Numerous great grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his Parents, Lester and Helen Funderburk, Sr.; Sisters, Mary Lou (Westbrook) Moore and Helen Louis Anderson; Brother-in-Law, Vernon Moore; Stepdaughter, Dierdre “DeeDee” (Snow) Sidwell
Memorials may be made to Pocahontas Little League.
Visitation: Monday, June 4, 2018, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, at United Methodist Church, Pocahontas, IL
Funeral Service: Monday, June 4, 2018 at 12:00 pm, United Methodist Church, Pocahontas, IL.
Officiant: Tim Burlingame
Interment: Robinson Cemetery, Pocahontas, IL
Meridith Funeral Home, Pocahontas, IL
