Carlton Thomas "Tom" Johns

CHARLESTON, IL – Carlton Thomas “Tom” Johns, age 89 of Charleston and formerly of Mattoon, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 while at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.  Visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday evening, January 7, 2021 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston, with Military Rites to be conducted at the close of visitation.  Inurnment to be attended by his family will be in Calvary Cemetery in Mattoon, Illinois.  Charitable gifts in his honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and left at the visitation or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, Illinois 61920.

Tom was born December 23, 1931 in Charleston, Illinois and was the son of the late Tony and Blanche (Dunaway) Johns.  He married Marjorie Harris on November 18, 1960 and she preceded him in death on May 16, 1998.  He is survived by three children, Guyla Roberts of Charleston, Phillip Johns and wife Patty and Suzy Leonard and husband Tom, all of Mattoon; five grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and three nephews and their families, Willford Hargis of Ashmore, Illinois, Steve (Goldie) Hargis of Arcola, Illinois and Rockford “Roc” Hargis of Charleston.  In addition to his parents and wife, Tom was preceded in death by a sister, Jeanne Martin and a brother, Tony “Bus” Johns.

Tom was a graduate of Neoga High School and then served with the United States Army from 1949 – 1952.  He faithfully served his country during the Korean War and was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in battle.  Tom was an employee of General Electric in Mattoon and was later employed as a tool fabricator for Marshalltown Tools in Fayetteville, Arkansas.  After returning to Mattoon, he worked as a security guard for Consolidated Communications, retiring in 2004.

Tom was a member of the Lutheran faith and a member of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 and Disabled American Veterans.  Tom enjoyed working at General Electric and was proud to be a part of the GE family, remaining in close contact with his former coworkers even after moving out of the area.  Tom always had a story to share and his captivating art of storytelling usually drew an audience.  Tom had a charitable heart and was a generous supporter of St. Jude Children’s Hospital.  He was also supportive of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who were blessed with his dedicated love and devotion.  They will always cherish their many fond memories.   

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