Thomas Ellis Vallow, 77, lifelong resident of East Hazel Crest, Illinois went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 26, 2022. Beloved Husband of over 32 years to Jan (nee Plantinga) Vallow. Proud father to Tammy (Scott) McMahon, Kristen (Thomas) Gasik, Todd (Crystal) Klomp, “C.J” (Amy) Klomp, and Jaclyn (Todd) Lenting. Loving Papa to Brittany (Caleb) Fair, Karlie (Justin) Van Autreve, Caitlin Klomp, Todd Klomp Jr., “T.J” Gasik, the late Trevor Gasik, Morgan McMahon, Isabelle Klomp, Violet Klomp, Cohen Klomp, Trace Lenting, and Hope Lenting. Tom was born on February 17, 1945 to William “Buck” and Effie (Hathaway) Vallow. He was the slightly older twin to Timothy, and younger brother to William (Bill). He was the older brother to the late Kenneth, and Gerry. The Vallow boys, especially Tommy, Timmy, and Kenny, could often be found riding their bikes from sun up to sun down, venturing much further away than their poor mother ever knew about, but always making it home in time for dinner. Tom and his brothers also spent time together as owners and operators of the “Vallow Service Center”. He had a deep love and passion for cars and worked as a mechanic for many years. One of his fondest memories was running the pit crew with his brothers Timmy & Gerry, among other friends, racing stock cars. Tom was a member of the East Hazel Crest Volunteer Fire Department for close to 50 years. In 1968, he was drafted to Vietnam where he served our great country proudly. During his time in the service, he earned 2 Purple Hearts, 2 Bronze Stars, among many other awards with his highest rank being Staff Sargent. After Vietnam, Tom worked as a Service Manager at Shaver Chevrolet. He later went on to become the “Motor Book Man”, selling auto repair manuals to dealerships and repair shops throughout Illinois. Tom wore many different hats throughout his life, both literally and figuratively. He was successful in many areas of life, but what meant the most to him was his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him. Visitation Thursday December 1, from 2pm until time of service at 8pm at the Tews-Ryan Funeral Home 18230 Dixie Highway in Homewood. Interment Friday 10:30am at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL