Thomas "Tom" John Dehner

Thomas John Dehner, 68, died at 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 28, 2017, at his home in Alton. Born November 19, 1948, in Bronx, New York, he was the son of Clyde T. and Marilyn Ann (Barth) Dehner. Mr. Dehner was a retired communication professional. His 40-year career spanned broadcasting, public relations and higher education. He began his career at WLDS/WEAI Radio in Jacksonville, IL and later for KSD Radio in St. Louis and ultimately joined KMOX Radio in St. Louis. He then performed day-to-day media relations for Union Electric (now Ameren) in St. Louis returning to KMOX in 1991 as a spot reporter and producer and later promoted to editor/reporter/anchor. He spent 20 years at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO as an instructor of graduate-level Public relations, a course which he designed and implemented. He also taught Broadcast News at Lewis and Clark Community College and had been a part-time high school and substitute teacher. Tom managed political and fundraising campaigns and community task forces. He administered Community Development Block Grant and Affordable Housing programs for the City of Alton. He served on the Madison County Local Emergency Planning Committee and the Communications & Development Committee of Riverbend Head Start & Family Services. He was a member of The Press Club of Metropolitan St. Louis and the Exchange Club of Alton as well as St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton. On August 7, 1982 he married the former Patricia O’Leary in Alton. She survives. Also surviving is a daughter, Abigail “Abby” Dehner of Alton, a son, Johnathan Dehner of Alton and a sister, Diane (Lief) Anderson of Alton. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother, John Carl Dehner. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, May 1, 2017, at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton. Father John Luong will officiate. Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Alton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

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Thomas "Tom" John Dehner

November 19, 1948 - April 28, 2017