Thomas L. Bequette

Thomas L. Bequette , 73, of Waterloo, Illinois lost his bravely fought battle with cancer May 19th, 2023 at his home in Waterloo, Illinois. 

 He is survived by his wife, Brenda Bequette nee Woods, daughter Kelcy (Vince) Weibert, step-son Mathew Iglehart, and step-daughter Leslie Hagan; grandchildren Silas Weibert, Madison Iglehart, and Kaley Hagan; siblings Rose McDonough, Billy (Christine) Bequette, Kenny (Renee) Bequette, Ronnie Bequette Sr, Kevin Bequette, Lisa (Sonny) Lunsford, and many nieces and nephews. 

 He is preceded in death by his son, Kyle Bequette, nephew Mikael Bequette, and his parents Thomas L. Bequette and Marie Bequette nee Lemonds, and beloved pets Charlie and Jack. 

 Thomas was born January 26th, 1950, in St. Louis, Missouri and was raised in Cahokia, Illinois. He served his country in the United States Air Force from December 1968 – May 1971, and served a tour in Okinawa, Japan during his time in service. His tour was cut short to tend to his family after the unexpected passing of his father. Thomas drove a semi-truck for 20+ years for Mendenhall Rebuilders St. Louis before retiring in 2012, after 34 years. Thomas was a longtime family friend of Brenda prior to their courtship and then marrying in 2001. Thomas and Brenda lived a good life together in love, in laughter, through the good times and the bad. Thomas was always the life of the party, quick to joke, and easy to love. He made everyone laugh. He adored his children and was head over heels for his grandchildren. He was known as Papa and was blessed to stay with us long enough to meet his newest grandchild, Silas, this past summer. During his courageous fight against cancer Brenda never left his side and cared for him with selflessness and compassion. Rest in peace, you will be remembered for your kind heart, warm sense of humor, your many life stories, and zest for life. We all will wish we looked this good at 73.

As an expression of sympathy please donate to the American Cancer Society or your local humane society in his name.

Visitation:

 4 PM until time of service Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at Quernheim Funeral Home

Funeral:

 7 PM Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, IL