Thomas Ward McKernan

 Thomas Ward McKernan, age 83, was born at the Lutheran Maternity Hospital in Chicago, Illinois on May 27, 1936, the son of Ward Brooks McKernan and Edith Tonn McKernan.  Tom was the beloved husband of Jacquelyn E., nee Schapiro, McKernan; devoted father of Brian (Kimberly) McKernan, Grant McKernan and Glenn McKernan; loving grandfather of Bobby and Kai McKernan; dear brother of Suzanne Kranz; brother-in-law of Daniel (Jane) Schapiro, Lorraine (Dan) Slayden, Rosemary Schapiro Mulkins, Marysue Schapiro and Kathleen Schapiro Aguilera; fond uncle of 18 nieces and nephews and great uncle of many.

 As a young man, Tom went to Downers Grove High School where he played football.  At one memorable game Tom ran back a kickoff for an 80 yard touchdown and got a write up in the local newspaper for it.

 After high school, Tom joined the US Army, where he became a sharpshooter.  Following his discharge from the Army, Tom then went to Barber school.  He enjoyed his time as a barber and worked at it for 15 years. Seeking a change, he then switched careers and began to set up trade shows, which he did for the next 40 years.  Tom was a member of both the Barbers’ Union and United Steel Workers of America Local #17.

 He loved the outdoors, riding his motorcycle through the mountains, water skiing in the upper peninsula of Michigan and riding the wave runner around the lake.  He played handball and racquetball for 40 years.  Tom also had a natural talent for music and could play by ear, easily learning anything he heard.

 Tom will be fondly remembered for his hard work, kindness, his many talents, and his dry, sarcastic sense of humor, which he employed often.  He was a jokester and enjoyed it.

 Family and friends may gather Tuesday, July 16, 2019 from 2:00 - 5:00 pm for Memorial Visitation at Traverso's Restaurant, 2523 Plainfield-Naperville Rd., Naperville, IL   followed by Memorial Mass to be held Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at 6:00 pm at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2003 Hassert Blvd, Naperville, IL.  Tom will be buried in a private family service at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL.

 Tom’s family invites you to visit the “Condolences” and “Photos” sections of this memorial to leave a message or memory or to upload a photograph.

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