Thomas Lawrence Nolan- known at various times as Tom, Tommy, T, Big T,Big Guy.

September 19, 1946 - April 3, 2026

Thomas L. Nolan 79, of Horseshoe Bay, Texas passed away on April 3, 2026 at the Brixton in Horseshoe Bay, Texas.   He was born September 19, 1946 in Iowa City, Iowa to John and Dorothy (Duffy) Nolan.

Tom spent much of his childhood in the Dekalb area at the farm of his maternal grandparents, Lawrence and Sadie Duffy, surrounded by Nolan, Duffy, and O'Brien grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins.

Encouraged by his parents, both teachers, Tom entered the University of Illinois and graduated with a degree in business/accounting.  Next stop was Indiana University School of Law, where two life changing events took place; he met Margie Whaley who would become his wife for nearly 53 years, and through the efforts of Margie and her extended family of "never give up"  Hoosier Fans, Tom became a most loyal Hoosier for life.

"I will do my best" was Tom's objective in life and career as he raised his two daughters, Leslie and Chrissie, and advanced in the business world. Despite a demanding career at Abbott Laboratories (30+ years) he never missed a choir performance, music recital, teacher conference, soccer game, swim meet, ice show, or tennis competition.  He challenged his girls to compete to win and never forget winning and success require playing by the rules.  He was always the best friend, fan, protector, and mentor to his daughters.

As an international tax specialist Tom traveled the world - London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfort, Munich, Rome, Milan, Tokyo, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic.  As a husband and dad, his girls got him to really travel - Switzerland (Chrissie's home 15 years), Ireland, France (Provence), Germany, Italy (Tuscany, the Dolomites, Rome, Sicily), Denmark, Sweden, Russia, Athens and the Greek Isles, Spain, Israel, the Panama Canal, Australia, Singapore, Alaska, the Canadian Rockies, San Francisco, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, Los Cabos, Hawaii; and our last great adventure - an African safari.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy Nolan and his beloved black labs - Duffy, Buck, and Brady.  He is survived by his wife of nearly 53 years, Margie and his daughters, Leslie Nolan of Chicago, IL and Chrissie Kerr (Josh) of Austin, Texas plus Monty, Switzerland, Tom's best buddy who misses him very much.  Also his brother-in-law David Whaley (Jeanne) of Fort Wayne, Indiana; nephews David Whaley of Houston, Texas and Michael Whaley of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and niece Ann Whaley of Seattle, Washington.

When we remember Tom, Dad  -  "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" 2Timothy 2:5

And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

On Saturday, May 2nd at 10:30am, there will be a graveside service at St. Mary's Cemetery in Dekalb, IL and a reception to follow at Whiskey Acres to celebrate our Tom.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your desired charity. Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.