Chenoa – Thomas E. "Tom" Krones, 91 of Chenoa, passed away at 3:35pm, Saturday, September 14, 2019 at Heritage Manor, Bloomington.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, September 21, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Chenoa with Fr. Carl LoPresti presiding.  Cremation rites will be accorded following the Mass and an inurnment at Calvary Cemetery, Chenoa will be held at a later date.

Visitation will be held from 4:00–7:00pm, Friday, September 20, 2019 also at the church with a rosary being recited at 3:30pm.  A second visitation will be held from 10:00–10:45am the morning of the funeral at the church.  Memorials may be made in Tom's name to St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Chenoa or the Chenoa Public Library.

Tom was born on November 19, 1927 in Danforth, a son of Joseph and Marie Reilly Krones.  He married Lois M. Lambert on November 26, 1955 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Gilman, IL.  She survives.

Also surviving are his children, Joseph of Chenoa, IL, Kevin (Lisa) of Gridley, IL, Mark (Kathleen) of Carterville, IL, and Julie in Minneapolis, MN; one brother, Steven (Patty) Krones of Gilman, IL; two sisters, Helen (Gene) Bruens of Watseka, IL and Kathleen (Bob) Manahan of Gilman, IL; 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great-grandchild coming in October.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Francis, Eugene, Jerry, Leo and James Krones and one sister, Mary Ann Anstett.

Mr. Krones was educated at Illinois State University, Normal where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and Master's Degree in Administrative Education.  He was a teacher, coach and principal of Cropsey Grade School from 1959 until 1967, principal of Chenoa Grade School in 1967 until 1989, and was the Assistant Regional Superintendent of Mclean, DeWitt and Livingston Counties from 1989 until his retirement in 1995.

Tom was drafted into the U.S. Army from December 1950 until December 1952 and achieved the rank of Corporal.  He served proudly as a cook and a baker.

He was a dedicated Catholic and became a 4 ^th Degree of the Knight's of Columbus.  He was a member of the American Legion Post #234, the Illinois Principal's Association, McLean County Retired Teachers Association and many other educational associations.  He was a Boy Scout Leader and was awarded the Silver Beaver.  He had his hand in many things throughout the Chenoa community and will be remembered by many.