Thomas Allen Lashmett

Thomas Allen Lashmett, 75, of Waterloo, Illinois, formerly of Jacksonville, passed away surrounded by family Thursday morning March 29, 2018, at Reflections at Garden Place Memory Care Assisted Living in Columbia, Illinois. He was born January 25, 1943, in Jacksonville, IL, to George A. and Mary C. Ryder Lashmett. He grew up in Winchester, IL, attended Winchester schools graduating from Winchester High School in 1961. While growing up he was an active participant in 4-H, perhaps getting his beginnings for his later career. Tom attended Ottawa University, Ottawa, Kansas for one and a half years. He then worked at Caterpillar in Peoria and then California, before being drafted into the Army. He was inducted June, 1965 and served one tour of duty in Viet Nam. He was honorably discharged May 1967 at Ft. Lewis, Washington. Tom received several medals. Upon returning to Illinois he completed his education at SIU Carbondale, graduating in 1969. He was employed by the University of Illinois Extension service beginning May 1969 in Winnebago County, Rockford, IL for 3 1/2 years. He transferred to Morgan County in the fall of 1972 where he continued until his retirement in 2002 after 33 years of service. While in Morgan County he was instrumental in the construction of the present-day Extension office building, the Nimrod Funk Building in Scott County, and the Extension building in Cass County. While an active member of the Morgan County Fair board he helped modernize the fairground facilities and coordinated the truck and tractor pulls. He was recognized for his years of leadership and service by the Morgan County Fair board in 2015. The Scott County board also recognized him in 2015 for his service and leadership. Tom spent 40 years on the truck and tractor pull scene. Not only was he an avid competitor and fan, but he also served as a founding officer of the Tri State Truck Pullers Association, on the Board of Directors from 1980 through 2010, with 23 of those years as Vice President of the Illinois Tractor Pulling Association, and as an officer in the North American Sled Operators Association. In addition, Tom and the Lashmett family were enthusiastic for many years with the Lashmett Sleds traveling coast to coast. Tom’s life was also full of fun: his hobby farm, woodworking talents, prolific gift giving, little dogs and family. Zach’s favorite memories of his grandpa include waking up to the delicious but unhealthy breakfasts grandpa would cook and watching “Walker Texas Ranger” and “Mash”. He spent many days with his grandpa picking up apples and going to farm stores where Grandpa would buy him anything he wanted. His Grandpa has had a big impact on his career path. Tom is survived by son, Gordon Lashmett, daughter Christinia Lashmett, and grandson Zachary Thomas Lashmett, all of Waterloo. He is also survived by sisters, GeorgAnn (Dennis) Devino and Loree (Chalmer) Herring of Winchester, and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother David Lashmett. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at the Daws Family Funeral Home in Winchester with interment in the Winchester City Cemetery. Visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Monday, at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Morgan County 4-H Foundation, Scott County Fair Board, and Reflections at Garden Place Memory Care Assisted Living.

Thomas Allen Lashmett

January 25, 1943 - March 29, 2018