Thomas Leroy "Tom" Berlett, 85, of Washington, IL died peacefully at 4:13 PM Thursday, March 6, 2025 at OSF Saint Francis.

Born November 19, 1939 in Fairbury, IL to Henry and Hazel Berlett, Tom married Janice (Ward) Berlett almost 62 years ago on April 6, 1963 at Sunnyland Christian Church in Washington, where they both remain members today. She survives.

Tom's legacy will continue with his three children: Tim (Laura) Berlett, Kim (Mike) Brownfield, both of Washington, and Chad (Ashley) Berlett of Germantown Hills. His seven grandchildren were the love of his life: Jack Berlett, Brogan Brownfield, Ryan (Zach) McCall, Hannah (Adam) Robison, Hazel Berlett, Hailie and Hannah Miles, and one great grandson, Reed Robison. Also surviving are two sisters, Phyllis Schmidt and Norma Livengood.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers James, Raymond, William and Gerald, four sisters, Irene Bauer, Anna Brubaker, Neva Smith and Dorthy Kline and grandson, Thomas James Berlett.

Tom attended Washington Grade School and Washington Community High School, then served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1961. He retired from Caterpillar after 34 years. Tom was proud that he traveled to 42 countries while working for Caterpillar, but often spoke of the advantages of living in the greatest country in the world. He was a proud, proud American. Tom embraced the opportunities to honor Veterans and First Responders, and loved organizing Washington's annual Memorial Day parade and 9/11 Walk. One of Tom's proudest days was going to Washington DC for the Honor Flight in 2019, as well as receiving the Washingtonian of the Year award in 2020.

Tom and Jan loved spending the winter months in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Tom loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing, especially hunting in Wyoming and was a lifetime Cubs and Bears fan. Tom also loved volunteering and was a strong believer in community service, encouraging others to serve the community to make it a better place for the younger generation. Former president of Northern Tazewell Public Water District, Northern Tazewell Rec Association, District 50 and District 308 School Boards, former member of East Peoria Housing Authority, Washington Glendale Cemetery Board, Washington Safety Committee, American Metallurgical Association, Washington Fire Department Board of Directors, and proud to participate in the Washington Police Academy and Shop with the Men & Women in Blue Christmas campaign.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 10:30 am at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Pastor Robin Robinson will officiate. Interment with military honors will take place at Glendale Cemetery in Washington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sunnyland Christian Church, or Washington Fire Department.