Thomas John Joseph Laub, 84, of Effingham, died March 16, 2024.

Thomas was born March 11, 1940, in Belleville. His father, Raymond was 25 years old and his mother Gertrude (nee Johnson) Laub was 33 years old. He lost his father when he was only 8 years old.  

Thomas married his high school sweetheart Mary Galeski on July 4, 1962, in Valmeyer. They had three children. After his wife passed away from cancer in 1990, Thomas never remarried. He spent the remainder of his life full of family, friends and many stories that he loved to tell repeatedly. He never met a stranger. 

Thomas graduated from SIUC with a bachelor’s degree in business management and a minor in economics. After college, he worked in the food sales industry for Mayrose and then Sexton. There, he received many top sales awards. In 1977, he got off the road and became the assistant restaurant manager at Effingham Truck Plaza, also known as 76 Truck Stop. He remained there for the next 21 years, with most of those years as the restaurant manager. He also owned TJ’s Family Restaurant, along with his son Kevin, that was in Altamont. His dedication to Jim McDaniel continued as years later, he worked under his direction at Effingham Trucks Sales leading up to his retirement.

Thomas enjoyed building die-cast models, collecting trains, keeping up with the Monroe County historical society, watching St. Louis Cardinal games and visiting with his friends through Facebook, in person or just a simple phone call. He was a very dedicated and involved father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His family is grateful for the 84 years of memories with him and will miss him terribly.   

Thomas is survived by his children Lisa (Gary) Anderson of Hamilton, Ohio, Deb (Scott) Bohannon of Effingham and Kevin Laub of Effingham; grandchildren Austin Anderson, Evan Anderson, Kyle Anderson, Jenea’ (Michael) Kane and Trenton Laub; step-grandson Vance (Debra) Bohannon; great-grandchildren Madden Kane and Greyson Kane; step-great-grandchildren Ryder Bohannon and Lincoln Bohannon; brother-in-law Jim Galeski (significant other Susana); sister-in-law Judy Vogt; and one niece and several nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary and aunt, Sadie (nee Lawrence) Duffy.

Visitation will be 9:30-11 a.m. March 26 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. 

A memorial service will follow at the funeral home.

Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery in Effingham. 

In honor of Thomas’ beloved pets, the family asks that in lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials be made to the Effingham County Humane Society. Online condolences may be shared at johnsonandsonsfh.com