Mr. Thomas Cleveland "Tommy" Rummels, 72, of Rock Island, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, January 27, 2017.

A celebration of Tommy's life will be held at noon on Friday, February 3, 2017 at Second Baptist Church 919-6th avenue, Rock Island where he was a member. Visitation will be from 5:00pm-7:00pm on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at Wheelan Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory 3030 -7th Ave., Rock Island. Tommy will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Moline, IL.

Memorials can be made to the family.

Born in Rock Island on Wednesday, July 5, 1944, Tommy was the tenth of fourteen children born to Wilkin Derrick and Carrie Luella Holland Rummels.

He was educated in the Rock Island school system. He was formally married to Peggy Clay. Tommy was a very proud veteran having served in the United States Army. He was honorably discharged on February 1, 1973.

Tommy was previously employed at the Friendly House in Davenport. For many years he worked in the Davenport School System where he worked in a number of positions. He was very passionate about helping children be successful in life.

In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with his family, watching old westerns and painting figurines and race cars. Tommy's favorite hobby was photography. He was often called upon to photograph weddings, parties and other special events.

His family and friends will miss his laughter, fun loving personality and his very caring heart.

Tommy will be greatly missed by his son, Matthew Rummels, Rock Island; grandchildren, Matthew Rummels, Jr., Rock Island, Travaris Rummels, Davenport, Zalynn Rummels, Englewood, OH and Riley Rummels, Milan; his brothers, Melvin (Karen) Rummels, Rock Island, Holland Rummels, AZ., Glenn (Kathi) Rudd, Moline; sisters, Constance Riddle, Nashville, TN, Karen Tibbs, Tyrone, NM, Linda (Raymond) Weathersbee, Los Angeles, CA; his aunt Etta Mae Strickland, East Moline; longtime friend, Louis White, Rock Island. Tommy is also survived by a large host of nieces and nephews and extended family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Tommy was preceded in death by his brothers Milton and Darrell Rummels. His brother and best friend, Terry Rummels; his sisters, Ethel Cook, Delores Duke, Gloria Rummels, Dorthea "Dot" Jones and Theresa "Resa" Rummels and his nephew, Tysen Tibbs.