Thomas O. Falb, 69, died Oct. 25, surrounded by family after a ferocious battle with cancer.

Loving husband to wife Sandy Falb, caring and supportive father to two daughters Jorie and Danielle, and son Derek, he leaves behind a legacy that is hard to forget.

Born in Chicago with his two brothers, John and Monty, and sister, Becky, he established a family and highly successful career as a well-respected lawyer in Alton and as an outstanding assistant state's attorney in Madison County, Illinois, followed by a 40-year career as a prominent trial attorney with the law firms of Reed, Armstrong and Gorman and Williamson, Webster, Falb & Glisson. Tom was extremely well-respected in the legal community.

Law just being one passion, Tom was also known for a variety of talents: a lead (and followed) guitarist for his band The Infidels, piloting over the Arch in his plane, sailing the rough seas across the world, four-wheeling and hunting on his property, snorkeling the waters of the Ozarks, or dancing on tables at the U of I campus bars.

Tom was a great man, with great adventures and talents, but he is probably most known for the love he shared with his wife, the support and fun he provided his children, and his strong and never relenting faith in Jesus Christ. It is all these things that he passes on to those that had the privilege of knowing him — the legacy that will continue on.

He will be missed greatly, but his wit and hearty laugh lives on, as he sails in the skies of heaven.