Thomas "Tom" Vance Ambrose, Jr.

Thomas "Tom" Vance Ambrose, Jr., 81, of Edwards, IL, passed away at 6:05 pm on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at the Grand View Alzheimer's Special Care Center in Peoria, IL.

He was born on November 9, 1941, in Owensboro, KY, to Thomas Vance and Pearl Marie (Whittaker) Ambrose, Sr. He married Sally T. Briggs on November 20, 2011 in Peoria, IL.

Surviving are his wife, Sally of Edwards; children, Robin (Tom Alexander) Ambrose of Sherman, IL and Michael (Stephanie) Ambrose of Springfield, IL; step-son, Kelly (Amy) Willard of Germantown Hills, IL; grandchildren, Caitlin McCain, Dylan (Morgan) McCain, Eddie Ambrose, Erin Ambrose, and Stella Ambrose; step-grandchildren, Ryan Willard, Emily Willard, and Jamie Willard; and sister, Cissy (Steven) Gregson of Owensboro, KY. He was preceded in death by his parents and the mother of his children Carol Hayden Ambrose.

Thomas was a mechanical engineer working for Caterpillar Tractor Company for 42 years. Tom will be greatly missed by many friends and family.  He never knew a stranger as he talked to everyone that crossed his path.  He was an avid reader, golfer, prankster, and cook.  Other than his grandkids and other family that he adored, Tom's big love was his many cars, especially the '69 Camaro that he helped rebuild.  He and his wife, Sally, traveled as much as possible and made so many memories to cherish.  The other love of his life was his dog, Buddy.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel with visitation being held from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Alzheimer's Association Central Illinois Chapter, 614 West Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614 or to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 530 NE Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, IL 61637. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

St. Jude Children's Hospital
530 NE Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria IL 61637

Alzheimer's Association
614 West Glen Avenue, Peoria IL 61614
Web: http://www.alz.org