Tommy Ray Goostree, age 85, of Iuka, Illinois, passed away at his home on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Tommy was born on September 19, 1940, in Salem, Illinois, the son of Marshall and Virgina (Greider) Goostree. On June 22, 1961, he married Freda (Jourdan) Goostree in Salem, Illinois, and together they shared almost 65 years of marriage until her passing on May 30, 2026.
Throughout his working years, Tommy was employed in the oil fields and also worked as a cement finisher. He received his 50-year certificate as a cement mason two days before he passed away. He enjoyed coaching his daughters’ softball teams and in 2012 he was inducted into the National Pole Bending Hall of Fame. He was a hardworking man who enjoyed spending his free time outdoors. Some of his favorite pastimes included horses, running dogs, and trap shooting.
Tommy is survived by his children, Julie Beasley and husband Doug of Kell, Sheila Sodsaikitch and husband Bok of Centralia, Dodie Becton and husband Dr. Wendell of Swansea, Tammy Renae Winters and husband Keith of Centralia, and Tommy Goostree Jr. and wife Megan of Benton; 17 grandchildren, Shanna, Justin, Jared, Datyn, Dyman, Dray, Danna, Brooke, Kelsie, Jeana, Payton, Parker, Dari, Onna, Dillyn, Zayne, Molly; seven great-grandchildren, Rylan, Maddox, Ridge, Miles, Sadie, Reign, and Camille; sister, Eula Mae Hickey of Centralia; and brother-in-law, Leroy Jourdan of Rock Falls, Illinois.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall and Virgina Goostree; his wife, Freda; and three siblings, Johnnie Goostree and wife Delores “Dodie”, Patricia Brown and husband Melvin “Buddy”, and Barbara Cherry and husband Jim.
Funeral services for Tommy Ray Goostree will be held at Crouse Funeral Home on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 1:30 pm with burial to follow at Bell Cemetery in Iuka. Visitation will be held from 12:30 pm until the time of the service. Memorial contributions can be made to Bell Cemetery and can be received at the funeral home. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com
