Grant Thompson “Tom” Bullis

Grant Thompson “Tom” Bullis, 90, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 4:59 a.m. Thursday, January 26, 2017 at his home.

He was born April 6, 1926, in Galesburg, the son of Grant Leon and Ramona Jeannette (Thompson) Bullis. He married Katherine “Gail” Cederoth on April 29, 1950 in Galesburg. She preceded him in death on May 6, 2016.

Tom is survived by two sons, Grant Marcus “Marc” (Barb) Bullis of Plymouth, Minnesota and Jay Andrew (Kim Wakefield) Bullis of Galesburg; two daughters, Marcia Katherine (Eric Berg) Bullis and Nancy Jeannette (Amos) Blevins, both of Galesburg; five grandchildren, Kate Bullis of Indiana, Justin (Liz) Bullis and Kara (P.J.) Hynes, both of Minnesota, Connie (Brian) Seastedt of Nebraska, and Adam (Miranda) Blevins of Indiana; seven great grandchildren; and a sister, Barbara Jean Clark of Fort Collins, Colorado. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents.

He joined the family business, Grant Bullis Insurance Agency, in 1950. He retired in 1996. Tom owned and managed real estate properties in Galesburg. Tom graduated from Galesburg High School in 1945 and from Knox College in 1950, where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon. While at Knox, Tom had the opportunity to study abroad in Exeter, England. He used this as an opportunity to travel throughout Europe.

Tom served in the United States Air Force as a gunner from 1944 to 1946 during World War II. He was trained on a B-17.

Tom’s passion was long distance bike riding. His epic bike ride was during our nation’s Bicentennial in 1976, riding coast to coast, Virginia to Oregon. Tom continued riding his bicycle well into his 80s with friends and family he met along the way. He was sure to buy bicycles for all of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, always at locally owned bike shops.

Tom had the ability to find a friend in everyone. He regaled stories at coffee shops around Galesburg and across the United States. Tom enjoyed reading history books and was a treasure chest of Galesburg history. He was very compassionate and considerate to all.

His children are deeply grateful to have been this man’s children. He taught them to love and care for all people. Tom was a child at heart, taking his children sledding, skiing, and camping.

Tom was a longtime member of Central Congregational Church, where he served as a Sunday school teacher.

Tom was an avid blood donor for over 50 years.

Visitation will be 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, February 2, 2017 at Central Congregational Church. Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Sterrett Collins officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Tom’s name may be made to Central Congregational Church. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel is handling arrangements for the family. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.