Thomas J. Deitz

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Thomas J. Deitz, 68, Harrisburg, but former resident of Shawneetown, died Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at the Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion.

Tommy Joe, as most knew him, was born in Old Shawneetown to the late Hank and Opal (Maynard) Deitz on Oct. 6, 1940.

Tommy Joe served his country in the Air Force and was a truck driver for many years. He was a member of the American Legion and Moose Lodge. He was a colorful person, always smiling and having fun. He loved to be on the river at Shawneetown, driving his boat and skiing. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Tommy Joe is survived by a son, Bryan (Barbie) Deitz of Warner Robins, Ga.; two sisters, Betty (Bob) Downen of Shawneetown and Linda Westbrook of Phoenix, Ariz.; and many nieces and nephews.

Cremation will be accorded to Tommy Joe's request with a memorial service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2009, at the Cox and Son Funeral Home in Shawneetown with the family receiving friends after noon until funeral time. The Rev. Bob Phillips will officiate.

Those who cannot attend may send condolences to the family at the Internet site www.coxandson.com.