Threlkeld- Thomas George " Tom" , 68 of Boston, Ma died Friday, June 14, 2013 at his home from complications of acute myeloid leukemia . Tom is survived by his long- time companion , Joe Travilini, of Boston; one brother , Steven Threlkeld and wife Pauline of Scottsdale, AZ; his maternal aunt, Mary Alice Parker of Chicago; one nephew, Christopher Threlkeld and his wife Denise and their sons Connor and Riley of Edwardsville; one niece, Carol Threlkeld and her husband Michael Ring and their daughters Julia Dreher- Threlkeld and Isabel Ring; cousin Elizabeth " Libby" Wilson and her husband Bob of Texico; and a sister in law , Jananne Threlkeld of Edwardsville. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Bill. Tom attended Dale Grade School and Mcleansboro Township High school for two years before graduating from Salem High School in 1962. He received his BA degree from Depauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, and his masters degree from the University of Arizona in Tucson. He was working on his doctorate degree when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. His tour of duty included Southeast Asia during the Vietnam Conflict. Tom briefly worked for Chicago Title and Trust in Chicago. He then moved to Boston and worked for over 40 years as an Education Specialist with the Federal Government. Tom was a great conversationalist, an excellent observer, enjoyed music and theater, and was well- liked by his family, friends and colleagues. Visitation will be Saturday, June 22, 2013 at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, from 12:00p.m. To 2:00p.m. Funeral services will follow at the funeral home with Rev. Victor Long officiating. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery. The family requests that memorials be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be expressed online at hugheyfuneralhome@sbcglobal.net Hughey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.