Anthony Lee Fillingham, age 48, of 621 E. Piper Street, Macomb, IL, passed away Friday, June 22, 2018, at University of Chicago Medicine, Medical Intensive Care Unit, Chicago, IL. He was born Feb 24, 1970, in Canton, IL, to Lee and Martha Fillingham. He is survived by four beautiful young daughters, Katie, twins Renny and Riley, and Lily; life partner, Melanie Brierton of Macomb; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bill and Kate Fillingham, and Robert and Beulah Dohner; and his aunt, Marilyn Johnson. He battled leukemia since May 2017 with many hours of excellent care and concern by all his family, friends, and medical staff at McDonough District Hospital, St Francis Hospital, Illinois Cancer Care and University of Chicago Medicine. While at St. Francis Hospital, Anthony, Melanie and his four daughters loved making origami.
Anthony and Melanie taught his daughters how to make origami nuns. The origami nuns soon began appearing throughout OSF -at nurses stations, hallways wherever Anthony, Melanie and his children felt the need. Anthony received recognition in the OSF Newsletter.
Anthony was a graduate of Elk Grove High School in 1988. He pursued his career goals at Western Illinois University and received a double major in Applied Math/Computer Science and Law Enforcement. He worked as a police officer with Macomb Police Department for 20 years and received Letters of Commendations and Mayor Award for Service to Citizens of Macomb.
During this time, Anthony also served as a member of the Army Reserves from 2003 to 2011. He enlisted at age 33 to serve and defend his country. He completed special Combat and Warrior Courses.
In January 2007, he also received American Soldier Defender of Freedom recognition for his service and sacrifice in Operation Enduring Freedom. After retiring from Macomb Police Department, he decided to continue his education at Western Illinois University in pursuit of becoming a Special Education Teacher. He needed to complete a semester of student teaching in order to fulfill his dream.
His desire was to be a teacher, so hopefully God has found a place for him to teach children, especially Special Needs Children. Anthony was a skilled Black Belt in Kosho-Ryu Kempo Karate. He began studying Jiu-Jitsu with Katie, his oldest daughter, and Melanie.
Anthony loved riding his motorcycle, reading, playing chess, and table gaming with his friends. His strong love for his four daughters was always part of his daily life and enjoyed the special times they shared. They made him so proud.
Anthony was surrounded by members of his family and his beautiful daughters when he passed away. Several hours prior to his passing he blew kisses to his girls (Katie, Renny, Riley and Lily). Cremation rites have been accorded.
Graveside services with Military Rites will be held at 10:30 a.m on Saturday, July 28, 2018, at Vermont Cemetery. Following Graveside services, a Celebration of Life will be from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at Macomb VFW Post 1921, 1200 E. Jefferson St., Macomb, IL to celebrate and honor what a remarkable father, son, relative and friend he was to many. Friends and Family are welcome to visit his public Facebook page on his Battle against Leukemia.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Anthony Fillingham Memorial Fund for his Daughters College Education. Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home in Macomb is in charge of arrangements.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
