Roy, Thomas J.
Age 79, of White Bear Lake
Passed away peacefully with family by his side on Nov. 17, 2018. Born June 24, 1939 in Terre Haute, IN. Survived by wife of 57 years, Jean; children, James of Eagan, MN, John (Jane) of Carmel, IN, and Julie (Scott) Leech of Plymouth, MN; grandchildren Jack and Josie Roy; Graham and Colin Leech; siblings Nila McCreary of Melbourne, FL; Jon Roy of Venice, FL, Michelle Roy of Cataract, IN.

Proceeded in death by his parents Joseph “Ernest” and Cecilia Roy, siblings Phillipe Perron, Roland Perron, James E. Roy, LaDonna Bailey, and MaryLee Farr.

Tom graduated from Indiana State University with a degree in Industrial Management and was a member of the 113 Tactical Fighter Squadron of the Indiana Air National Guard, called to active duty during 1961-1962 for the Berlin Crisis. He worked for 32 years at the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad, which then became the Union Pacific Railroad. He was a previous active member of the Hugo Lions Club.

Tom enjoyed spending time with family, especially the grandchildren and attending their activities, completing the Sunday crossword puzzle, and boating with family and friends on Bald Eagle Lake. He loved history, especially World War II era, and would attend round table discussions at Fort Snelling. He travelled to Europe and loved visiting historical sites like Omaha Beach. Tom was a great storyteller and enjoyed writing poems and short stories, several of which were published in the Reader’s Digest. He also enjoyed NASCAR racing and attended many races. His childhood friends remained important to him throughout his life – they were known as the “Terre Haute Little Rascals”.

Memorial funeral service will be held at 4PM on Saturday, Dec. 1 at Mueller Memorial Funeral Home, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake. Visitation 1 hour prior. Internment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. www.jdrf.org/memorial