Thomas Hayton North Iii

CARBONDALE-Thomas (Tom) H. North III., 72, of Carbondale, died on Saturday March 3, 2018 at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale.



He was born Friday, March 23, 1945 in Philadelphia, PA to Thomas Hayton and Alta Marie (Woodrow) North Jr. Thomas graduated from Carbondale Community High School (CCHS) in 1963 and went on to attend Southern Illinois University earning an Associate Degree. He then enlisted in the Air Force and served our country from 1966 through 1970. Upon his honorable discharge he became self-employed as a retailer owning and operating Book World book store in Carbondale. He enjoyed what he did and the community appreciated his presence and fascinating book selections.



On November 6, 1983 he married Linda Eileen Spear in Carbondale, IL and they spent many wonderful years together. She survives. He is also survived by brothers; Alan H. North and Jo (Dougherty) of Fishers Indiana, and Mark H. North and Gayle (Fozard) of Sparta; Sister-in-law Cathy (Spear) Jedrzejas and her husband John of New Lenox, IL and many beloved nieces and nephews and their families.



Tom had many interests and was truly a life-long learner. He enjoyed European travel and especially appreciated time in his favorite city, London. Tom was an avid reader and book collector. His personal library focused on non-fiction books and books on obscure and unique topics. He was a stamp collector with a specific interest in his European collection. Tom also had an extensive collection of music and movies. He was a history buff, especially interested in military and European history. He also had a map collection and spent numerous hours studying maps. Tom also enjoyed collecting famous quotations, little known facts, and interesting tidbits. In his spare time, Tom enjoyed sporting events, plays at the Stage Company, and musicals at McLeod Summer Playhouse, and was a member of the McLeod Summer Playhouse Board. He also found great joy in his nieces, nephews, and their children.



He was preceded in death by his father, mother and brother Norman H. North.



The preferred forms of remembrances are to the McLeod Summer Playhouse or Stage Company. Celebration of life service will take place on Saturday March, 24, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale with Rev. Alan Rhein officiating. Visitation will take place 10 a.m. until start of service on Saturday. Burial will be at a later date at Oakland cemetery. To share a story or memory of Thomas please visit http://www.Meredithfh.com.