Tom Carroll

Tom Carroll, 67, passed away at 5:55 a.m., Saturday, June 20, 2015 at Manor Court of Carbondale, surrounded by his loving family. Tom was born January 26, 1948 in Providence, RI to Thomas Carroll and Rita Kildae. He married his Scottish sweetheart Allison J. Millar on September 25, 2010 in Ozark, IL. Tom is also survived by his daughter, Maggie Carroll of Dayton, OH; one sister, Mary Candace McCormick of North Situate, RI. He loved his kitties Smudge and Mango. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Kevin Carroll. Tom graduated in 1968 from Georgetown University with a Bachelor of Science in History with highest honors and attained a Master of Arts in History in 1977 from the University of Missouri with additional work at the College of William and Mary. He was a world traveler, storyteller and a historian. Tom held dual citizenship in the United States and Ireland. Tom also loved music, was an avid reader, and a coin and stamp enthusiast. He was a humorist, trivia expert, very clever and witty. Tom proudly served our country in the Navy and retired from the Coast Guard as Lieutenant Commander. He was a Professor of History at John A. Logan College, Carterville, for 20 years, until his retirement in May 2014. He loved teaching and his students. He was a member of the National Education Association. Tom was a table leader each year in either Louisville, KY or San Antonio, TX. Here he scored the free response answers to the advanced placement exams from all over the country. Tom was also a member of www.wheresgeorge.com where he was considered a Georger. Tom loved politics and was an active member of the Democratic Party. He was also a MENSA member. Tom's wishes were to be cremated without any services. Memorial donations are the preferred form of remembrance and may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association, 8550 West Bryn Mawr Drive, Suite 550, Chicago, IL 60630 or will be accepted by Meredith Funeral Home, Carbondale. Please visit www.meredithfh.com to share a story or memory of Tom.