Thomas Wicker

KENNETT, Mo. -- Thomas David Wicker, 47, formerly of Granite City, Ill., passed away Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, at his home in Kennett, where he had lived the past three years.

He was born Oct. 11, 1964, in Granite City, son of Troy and Patricia Wicker Coleman.

When Thomas was born, his family was told he had less than a five-year life expectancy due to cerebral palsy. Through dedication, work and perseverance, he made enormous strides and accomplishments.

He graduated from Madison High School in Madison, Ill., in 1982, received an associate degree from Southeast Missouri State University, and a bachelor's degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee. While attending Marquette, he worked in the Information Technology Department, and continued to work there after graduating as an IT Department coordinator.

Thomas was a loving father, brother, uncle and nephew. His family is very proud of him and will miss him dearly.

Loving survivors include a son, Jon "Jeramy" Wicker and Jeramy's mother, Michelle Mason, of Alton, Ill.; two brothers, Troy Coleman II of Dover, Tenn., Jimmy (Nancy) Goodson of Bunker Hill, Ill.; uncles and aunts, Walter (Debbie) Mowery, Kay Wicker and A.J. Seyer, all of Jackson, Jack (Naomi) Whitlock of Chaffee, Mo., Joe (Anna) Kinder of Delta, and Jerry (Judy) Demoro of Nixa, Mo.; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; a brother, Donald Wicker; and an uncle, Fred Wicker.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 7 p.m. today at the funeral home, with the Rev. Luther Rhodes officiating. Private inurnment will be at a later date in Oak Grove Cemetery at Charleston, Mo.

Memorial contributions may be made to McCombs Funeral Home for funeral expenses.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.