Thomas (Tom/Tommy) Lee Melester, 60, of Freeport, IL, passed away on July 4, 2024 at home. He was born on October 22, 1963 in Freeport to Edward Melester and Charlotte (Patterson) Melester. He graduated from Rockford West High School in 1982. He was a DSI Custodian at Titan. He was a member of the Freeport Moose Lodge, Eagles Club, along with several other organizations when he was younger.

Survivors include his daughter, Trisha (Alex) Taapken, son, Thomas Jacob Edward (Rachel) Melester (from Florida) grandchildren: Joshua Heller Jr, Zion Taapken, Jason Taapken, Tech Taapken, and Sandra Taapken; great-granddaughter, Josie Heller, brothers: David Melester (Tom Cullen) and Chad Melester; sister Chrissy (Dennis) Brokhausen, niece McKenzie Brokhausen, great niece Reyna Brokhausen, nephew Casey Brokhausen, along with many cousins and friends who were like family to him.

He was preceded in death by his father Edward Melester, Mother Charlotte (Patterson) Melester, granddaughter Ambrosia Zion Taapken, and brother-in-law Tom Cullen.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday July 13, 2024 at 1 PM, with a visitation from 11 AM until time of service, at the Schwarz Park Blvd Chapel, 608 S. Park Blvd, in Freeport, IL, with Pastor Leslie Stanford officiating.

A memorial has been established for assistance with Tom's funeral expenses.