Thomas R. Challos, Jr., of LaGrange Park; beloved husband of Letitia (nee Zydel); loving father of Christopher Challos; dear brother-in-law of Frederick S. Zydel, Diana (Richard) Gilbertson, & the late Ronald J. (the late Anita) Zydel; dear uncle of Courtney (Timothy) Flynn, Brett (Nicole) Challos, Laura (Jameson) Watts & Scott Zydel; fond cousin of Tom (Diane) Georgelos, Paul Georgelos, & Carol (Howard) Gervase; preceded in death by loving brothers Douglas F. (the late Elaine) Challos & Matthew Challos.

Tom was a friend to all. If you were with him, he would think of telling a story, say funny things, and make you laugh. He never hesitated to give advice and help in any way he could. Tom worked all his life, starting out as a paper boy delivering the Tribune. At St. Patrick’s High School, which at the time was an all boys high school, he wrote a popular gossip column called “Third Floor Washroom”. An example of this column would be an outlandish story about how he stole the physics test, and printed it for their benefit, adding, “Well, men, there you have it, good luck.” Tom went on to Knox College in Galesburg getting a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He worked at the Commerce Clearing House as an Assistant Editor while going to Chicago Kent College of Law at night. In 1966, after earning his law degree and passing the Bar, Tom began a career as a Trial Attorney working for a law firm. Eventually he maintained his own firm with his good friend, Marty, retiring as Weisenburger & Challos. Tom took the train to Chicago everyday, telling stories, and making everyone laugh. This was before cell phones, so he was the entertainment. He tried civil matters and appeals in State and Federal courts, and was licensed to practice law in both Illinois and Indiana. Additionally, Tom was admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court, 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, the U.S. District Court Northern District Illinois, and the U.S. District Court Northern District Indiana. Most of his practice consisted of representing Plaintiffs in all kinds of cases such as personal injury, workers compensation, products liability, securities litigation, commercial, & business matters. If he went to a doctor, Tom would tell them he was a Trial Attorney and that one of his specialties was medical malpractice. In 2017, he was honored by the Chicago Bar Association for 50 years of membership.

Visitation 3 to 9 p.m. on Monday, October 7 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55^th St., Countryside. Funeral prayers at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday, October 8 from the funeral home to St. Francis Xavier Church of LaGrange for 10 a.m. Mass. Interment at St. Adalbert Cemetery, Niles. Memorial donations in Tom’s name to the charity of your choice are appreciated. Funeral info: (708) 352-6500