Thomas Jessie "Tom" Deitzman 1936-2017

Thomas Jessie “Tom” Deitzman, 80, of El Dara, Illinois went to be with our Lord and Savior June 1, 2017.  Jessie was born September 7, 1936 in Hamburg, Illinois on a riverboat, a son to Hazel and Thomas Justus Deitzman, he grew up in El Dara. Tom married Karen Kay Kesling on May 21, 1968 and they enjoyed 49 years of marriage together. 

Tom served in the Navy and was a veteran of the Korean War who traveled the world extensively.  He was a member of the Barry American Legion Post#222 and a member of the USS DeHaven, the ship he served on while deployed. Tom enjoyed reading, gardening, amateur radio and cooking for his family.  

In his early years he was an avid outdoorsman and hunter. He was a Godly man and attended the El Dara Christian Church his entire life and made sure his children knew the Lord as well. Tom was a kind and generous man and always helped those in need. More than anything Tom loved his family and was never happier than when his children were with him. He continuously taught his children new things.  He lived adventurously, living life to the fullest. 

He is survived by his wife Karen, his children; Erika (Sean) White of Quincy, Ingrid Deitzman and granddaughters Sierra and Morgan of Wentzville, MO, Ursula (Bruce) Jones and grandchildren Ashley and Levi of Barry, IL,   Josh Deitzman and grandchildren Tera and Jordan also of Barry, Leticeia Farmer and grandchildren Jerred, Cameron, Logan and Shayden of Dallas, TX and Melissa (Steven) Henley and granddaughter Lauren Ross of Springfield, MO. Also surviving are two great grandchildren; Liam Thomas of Barry a Micha Ross of Springfield, MO and a sister Janey Hembrough of Wichita, KS. He was preceded in death by his mother Hazel Deitzman and his father Thomas Justus Deitzman, a daughter Nichole Deitzman, his grandson Jacob William Dunhan and one sister Patricia Wasson.