Thomas Cullen, 72, of Freeport, IL, passed away on August 3, 2022, at home. He was born on May 19, 1950, to Thomas R. Cullen and Frances (Marshall) Cullen. He graduated the top of his class in the HCC Nursing Program. He married David Melester on January 21, 2000, in Hawaii. He was a charge nurse at Ascension Living Cor Mariae Village in Rockford. He was also the former owner of Genesis Hair Studio. He served in the U.S. Army at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, and Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. He liked to gamble and enjoyed being with family & friends for special occasions.

Survivors include his husband David Melester, daughter Lori Cullen, former wife Diana Livesay-Cullen, grandchildren: Deirdre Lahre, Olivia Wilkens, and Alexander Lahre and Riley Lahre; brother Terry (Gail) Cullen, cousin Steven and Sue Connell, Cousin Colleen and Randy Griswold, in-laws Thomas Melester, Chad Melester, Christina (Dennis) Brokhausen, Trisha Tapken, Thomas (Racheal) Melester, niece and nephew McKenzie Brokhausen and Casey Brokhausen, 4 great-nephews and 2 great-nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas R. and Frances Cullen.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday August 10, 2022, at 5:30 PM, with visitation from 4PM until time of service, at the Schwarz Funeral Home, 816 S. Galena Ave in Freeport. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his memory.