Thomas Eugene Risner, Jr.

Thomas Eugene “Tom” Risner Jr.

Thomas Eugene “Tom” Risner Jr., 82, of Marion, IL passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

Tom was born on November 15, 1943, in Saint Joseph, Missouri, the son of Thomas Eugene Risner Sr. and Rudie Rice (Stracener).

He proudly served his country in the United States National Guard. Tom retired from Ameren CIPS, where he dedicated many years working in the gas department. He enjoyed traveling with his beloved wife, taking drives in his Corvette, admiring vintage automobiles, and, above all, spending time with his family. He was an attendee of the First Methodist Church in Marion.

On August 29, 1965, Tom married the love of his life, Paula (Smothers) Risner, who survives.

He is also survived by his daughter, Gena (Tim) Anderson; three grandsons, Austin (Austyn) Anderson, Nick (Bailey) Anderson, and Drew (Kelsey) Anderson; four great-grandchildren, Owen, Henry, Tommy, and Asher Anderson; his brother, Joe Rice; his sisters, Susan Rice and Sandy (Bill) McMasters; his brother-in-law, Terry Hoffman; and several special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, J.P. and Eva Smothers; his sisters, Ann Miller and Nancy Bean; his brother-in-law, Pat Smothers; and his sister-in-law, Dana Hoffman.

In accordance with his wishes, Tom will be cremated, and no formal services will be held.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the home healthcare nurses, the compassionate staff of Saline Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and the caregivers of Hospice of Southern Illinois for the exceptional care and kindness shown to Tom.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Tom’s memory.

Blue Funeral Home, under the direction of Binkley-Ross, has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit www.binkleyross.com to leave condolences online for the family.