Obituary WASHINGTON-Thomas E. O'Dea, 81, of Washington, IL, died at 4:25 am Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at his home. Tom was born on September 10, 1929 in Streator, IL to Thomas H. and Irma M. Twist O'Dea. He was the grandson of W.W. Twist, the original settler of Toluca, IL, Marshall County. Tom married his high school sweetheart, Joan Vespa, on October 4, 1952 in Toluca, IL. She survives. Also surviving are 4 children, Tom (Debra) O'Dea of Washington, Jean Marie Mulligan of Peoria, Cathy (Lee) Pallardy of Urbandale, IA, and Bob (Chris) O'Dea of Washington; 2 brothers, Donald (Suzanne) O'Dea of Washington and Dr. James O'Dea of CA; and 6 grandchildren, Tony and Katie Smith, Jess Pierce, Cari and Maria O'Dea and Sean Pallardy. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, George and Edward, and son-in-law, John Mulligan. Tom was a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army during the Korean War, serving from 1952-1953 after graduating from Officers Candidate School. He received the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and one Bronze Star. Tom was known as a kind and generous man who enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in athletic and school events. He also enjoyed traveling with Joan and their family, reading, fishing, and yard work. Tom and Joan started O'Dea's Cleaners in Toluca in 1953 and then moved their business to Washington in 1957. He was a member of the American Legion Post 100, VFW Post 9016, and 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus #6707, all in Washington. A funeral mass will be 10 am Saturday, July 9, 2011 at St. Patrick Church in Washington. Msgr. John Prendergast will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Friday, July 8, 2011 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington, with a vigil service at 7 pm. Additional visitation will be 1/2 hour prior to services at the church. A committal service will take place at Meadow Valley Center where military rites will be performed. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services. Burial will be at St. Ann's Cemetery in Toluca at a later date. Visitation JUL 9. 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM St. Patrick Catholic Church 705 E. Jefferson Street Washington, IL, US Service JUL 9. 10:00 AM St. Patrick Catholic Church 705 E. Jefferson Street Washington, IL, US