Thomas Arthur “Hook” Carver, 75, of Biggsville, Illinois, formerly of Monmouth, Illinois, died at home, Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
Tom or Hook as he was known by many, was born September 28, 1949 in Boone, Iowa, the son of Arthur William and Joan Mae (Hillsteadt) Carver. He graduated from Boone High School in 1967 and went on to marry Vaughn Kathleen Welch on September 2, 1967 in Boone.
Tom is survived by his wife of 58 years, Vaughn of Biggsville; one son, Matt (Brenda) Carver of New Richmond, Wisconsin; five grandchildren, Alyssa, Tanner, Cheyenne, Kayla, and Maggie; and four great grandchildren; and one sister, Nancy (Steve) Lewis of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Tom is preceded in death by his parents; one son, Scot in 2008; and one brother, Jeff.
Tom worked for Bowman’s Shoe Co. in Boone, Iowa, Monmouth, and Sterling, Illinois. He then worked at Shoe Warehouse in Monmouth and later Runge and Youngquist Shoes in Keokuk, Iowa. Hook then went on to own and operate Carver’s Hunting and Fishing in Monmouth until he and Vaughn purchased a wholesale bait business that he put on a farm next to Lake Warren. They operated this business until their retirement.
In his youth, Tom was a Boy Scout, eventually earning his Eagle Scout rank. This shaped Tom’s life in many ways. He always remembered the Scout Oath and it created a lifelong love of his country, becoming a true patriot. Tom was a longtime avid outdoorsman, spending many years deer hunting and duck hunting with his sons and friends. He was a member of Honey Creek Duck Hunting Club and Duck’s Unlimited.
Tom was talented in many ways. He loved to work with his hands, and his favorite medium was typically wood. He was able to MacGyver many different things to make them work the way they should. Hook had every tool ever needed for any project and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Tom was an avid poker player and lover of music although he couldn’t sing a lick.
Visitation for Tom will be 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Turnbull Funeral Home, 102 N. 10th St., Oquawka, Illinois. Funeral Services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Cremation will follow services. Private family burial of cremated remains will be at Carman Cemetery, Carman, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
