Tom L. Wenzel

De Soto – Tom L. Wenzel, 85, of De Soto passed away at 9:50 a.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2016 in Memorial Hospital of Carbondale with his daughter by his side.



Tom was born on December 24, 1930 in Carbondale to Anthony (Tony) and Virginia Lucille (Cole) Wenzel. He married Peggy Martin on April 20, 1950 in Piggott, Arkansas. She preceded him in death on October 4, 1997. From this marriage, they had two children; Tim L. Wenzel and Lisa A. Wenzel. Tim passed away in 1998. Lisa survives and is of De Soto. Tom later married Telvi Anheuser of DuQuoin on April 12, 2003. She preceded him in death on June 15, 2015.



Survivors include his daughter Lisa A. Wenzel of De Soto; two sisters, Sue (Randle) Cavins and Kay Threlkeld of Carterville; brother, Mike A. Wenzel of Dallas, TX; grandchildren, Heather Torres (Juan Mendoza Rafael) and Marshall Petty; great-grandchildren, Analicia, Jose Kike, Bianca and Liliana.



Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Virginia Wenzel; son, Tim L. Wenzel; wives, Peggy Martin and Telvi Anheuser; and one great-grandchild, baby Rafael.



Tom served in the United States Army from January 1952 to February 1954. Upon Returning from the service, he was employed by Coca Cola Bottling Co. In 1960 he joined the City of Carbondale Fire Department as a firefighter. Tom was then promoted to inspector, which he remained in that position until his retirement in 1989.



After retirement, Tom and his son spent many hours restoring one of Carbondale’s Antique Fire Trucks; A 1936 Diamond T. Pumper. It has been seen in many parades throughout the area with his grandchildren proudly aboard. During his tenure as a firefighter, he played an important role during the “Fire Prevention Week” held annually at the Carbondale Public Schools. Tom served as a positive influence on many young children for over three decades.



Tom inspired other firefighters, both present and retired, to form a book committee chronicling the long history of the Carbondale Fire Department. He served on the committee during the entire project, and the commemorative book, Carbondale Fire Centennial Anniversary 1897 – 1997 was published in 1997.



He was one of nine firefighters from Carbondale who traveled to New York City shortly after the attacks on the World Trade Centers on September 11, 2001. While there the group toured Ground Zero, and fully dressed in uniform, participated in the funeral services for three of the fallen firefighters.



Memorial Services for Tom will be on Friday, November 25, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale with Wes Henson officiating. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home with Honor Guard provided by Carbondale Fire Department. A graveside service will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Carbondale with Military Honors followed by the Carbondale Fire Department Bell Ceremony.



Memorials are the preferred form of remembrance and may be made to The Ridge Church, envelopes will be available and accepted at the funeral home.