Thomas Estep

Thomas B. “Chip” Estep, 69, of Springfield, passed away at 12:42 PM, Thursday, September 6, 2018, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

He was born on September 8, 1948, in Washington, D.C., the son of Thomas B. and Verna (Cuny) Estep, II.  He married Patricia Phillips on May 13, 1999, in Springfield and she survives.

Also surviving are one daughter Leesa (Tony) Boyer of Streetsboro, Ohio, two grandchildren Cassidy and Gabriel Boyer, his mother-in-law Zehrea Phillips of Rushville, brother-in law Rick (Luan) Phillips of Rushville, sisters-in-law Sandra (Lyle) Wellbrock of Anthony, Kansas and Diane Clow of Hannibal, Missouri and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Tom received his Master’s in Art Degree from the University of Cincinnati.

He first worked for the FBI as a Forensic Documents Examiner in the Washington, D.C. office.  He moved to Springfield and began his career with the Illinois State Police on June 16, 1978.  He began as a Criminalist for the ISP Bureau of Scientific Services.  He was reclassified on April 19, 1986 as a Forensic Scientist III, retiring on March 18, 2002.

He was a member of the Westside Christian Church.  He was a talented artist with watercolor and acrylic paints as well as pencil drawing.  He also enjoyed fishing and country western dancing.

Graveside Services will be at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, September 18, 2018, at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, with Pastor Mike Harney officiating.  Interment will follow.  Memorials are suggested to the West Side Christian Church or the Animal Protective League.