Dr. Thomas T. Tourlentes

Dr. Thomas T. Tourlentes, 88, of Galesburg, died at 6:38 a.m. Tuesday, November 15, 2011, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg. Tom was born on December 7, 1922 in Chicago, the son of Theodore and Mary (Xenostathy) Tourlentes. He married Mona Land on September 9, 1956 in Neosho, MO. Surviving Tom are his wife, Mona of Galesburg; two sons, Theodore of Galesburg and Stephen (Amber) of Somerville, MA; one daughter, Elizabeth (Iain) Johnston of Chicago; and three grandchildren, Lily Johnston, Theo and Eli Tourlentes. He was preceded in death by a sister, Mary. Tom graduated from the University of Chicago with his undergraduate and medical degrees, and served as a psychiatrist in the US Army. From 1958-1971 he was superintendent of Galesburg State Research Hospital, and concurrently from 1961-1971 was Peoria Regional Director, Illinois Department of Mental Health, which included the Zeller Zone Center in Peoria, and East Moline State Hospital. 1971-1985 he was Executive Director, Franciscan Mental Health Center, Rock Island. He worked with Robert Young, and many others, to open the Robert Young Center in Rock Island. He then for several years was Chief of the Psychiatry Clinic, Veterans Administration, Peoria. Robert Young Center history: http://trinityqc.com/Medical-Services/Medical-Services/Mental-Health-and-Substance-Abuse/About/Robert-Young-Center-History.aspx For full detailed history, including Tom's role: http://trinityqc.com/Assets/Medical-Services/Mental-Health-Substance-Abuse/RYCHistory.aspx Tom participated in many medical associations, including the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals; American College of Psychiatrists; American Psychiatric Association; Past President, Central Neuropsychiatric Association; Past President, American Association of PsychiatricAdministrators; Past President, Illinois Psychiatric Society; and the Illinois Department of Mental Health Quality Care Board. Tom was an avid photographer and supporter of the Galesburg Civic Art Center. He was a past president of the Knox-Galesburg Symphony, had served on the District 205 School Board, Knox County United Way 1990 Campaign Chairman, and was a founding member of the Knox County Peace and Justice Coalition opposed to the war in Iraq. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 19, 2011 at Watson Funeral Home, with Dr. Thomas Larsen officiating. Visitation will be Friday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. Memorials may be made to Physicians for a National Health Program (pnhp.org), Oxfam America (oxfamamerica.org), Galesburg Civic Art Center, or FISH food pantry of Galesburg.