Thomas Eugene Straley went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, August 6, 2015. Another carpenter was needed in heaven.

He was born August 31, 1954 in Elton, son of the late Edward and Vivian (Clay) Straley. He married Lila “Jeannie” Messer on January 13, 1973 in Antigo.

Tom attended Elton and White Lake Schools. He lived most of his life in the Antigo area, except for a few years in Mountain Home, Arkansas where he built his own 1923 T-Bucket with his Ozark buddies. He also caught his biggest fish while fishing with his son Tom on Norfolk Lake.

Before owning his own business, Tom was employed as a maintenance foreman for Rusch Brothers, and as an estimator and delivery driver for Kramer Building Supply. In 1984, Tom along with his wife Jeannie formed Straley Construction, building homes, garages, and doing much remodeling.

Tom enjoyed riding his Harley and talking motorcycles with his lifelong friend, Reese. He also liked watching the wildlife in his backyard, and going to stock car races with his friend and neighbor, Jim. He was very relaxed when mowing his lawn. His favorite thing to do was riding four-wheeler and sledding with his granddaughter Sidney, and listening to her sing.

In addition to his wife Jeannie Straley of Polar, he is survived by a son, Thomas J. (Amy) Straley of Oostburg; a granddaughter, Sidney Jo; 3 sisters, Erma “Bonnie” (Dan) Keso of White Lake, Jean Straley of Milwaukee, and Brenda Kamuda of Menasha; 5 brothers, Raymond (Pat) Straley of Mesquite, NV, Bernard (Vonda Lee) of Bryant, Edward (Nancy) Straley of Polar, Jerry Straley of Antigo, and Maurice (Marlene) Straley of Elton; father-in-law, Curt Messer of Polar; his maternal aunts and uncles, Ella Iris of Slinger, Alma (Herman) Albrecht of Birnamwood, and a very special uncle, Earl (Debra) Clay of Hollister.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Betty Lewis, and Sheila Otto; mother-in-law Rosella (Lewis) Messer; and many aunts and uncles from both the Clay and Straley families.

A memorial service will take place at noon on Friday, August 14, 2015 at Four Corners Assembly of God in Elton. Rev. Marvin Kindle will officiate. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Burial will follow the service at Church on the Hill Cemetery in Elton. Strasser-Roller Funeral Home is assisting the family.