Tony Kanik, 63 of McLeansboro, Il passed away May 21,2025 at his home. He was born March 26, 1962 to Pete and Wilma Kanik. He was raised in McLeansboro by his parents alongside his brother Steven and sister Kathy. His Granny and Grandpa Clark always lived close by and greatly influenced his life.
Tony graduated from McLeansboro High School in 1980. He went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree in geology from Eastern Illinois University.
On June 11, 1993 he married Deanna Hall. Together they raised their son Andrew and daughter Leslie being blessed with almost 32 years of marriage. The blessings multiplied with six added grandchildren that Tony adored.
Tony worked in the oilfield since graduating from Eastern, first alongside his dad, Pete and then was proudly joined by his son Andrew. He did many different jobs in the oilfield including working on pulling units, operating a tank truck and overseeing wells. He loved studying and learning all the inner workings of different wells and finding ways to produce oil. Tony was a friend, a mentor, and often both to many in the oilfield. He made many lasting friendships and he cherished those friendships.
He introduced Andrew to dirt bikes around 2004 and for several years, they traveled to various motor cross tracks for Andrew to race and ride. He was always Andrew’s biggest fan, always at the starting gate, always encouraging him to do his best. Tony got acquainted with other riders and their parents at any track they went to and developed many friendships along the way.
In 2011, Tony and Deanna bought a home near Dale, Il. Tony became a good neighbor and developed friendships throughout the Dale community. He loved his farm, taking care of his cattle, fishing with his grandkids in the pond, and spending time with his dogs Janie and Mya
Tony was a member of McLeansboro First General Baptist Church where he had many good friends within his church family. As was his nature, Tony was friends with any and all of Andrew and Leslie’s friends and treated them like they were his.
Tony is survived by his wife Deanna; his son Andrew and his wife Brittany: his daughter Leslie and her husband Benji Odom; his six grandchildren Ayden, Aurora, and Annie Kanik and Brody, Brynlee, and Brayden Odom. His mother, Wilma Kanik also survives as well as his sister Kathy and her daughters Tonya and Courtney and their families and his brother Steven and his family. His father-in-law, Don Hall, also survives as well as his sister and brother-in-law Mike and Karen Lamb and their daughter Shelby and her family. Many friends who he thought of as family also survive.
Tony was preceded in death by his father Pete Kanik and his mother-in-law Doris Hall and his Granny and Grandpa Clark.
Visitation will be held at the McLeansboro 1st General Baptist church on Fri. May 23rd from 5-8 PM. A celebration of Tony’s life will be held on Sat. May 24th at 11 AM at the church with Tim Gholson and Pastor Tim Jones officiating. Burial will follow at Ten Mile Cemetery near McLeansboro.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wabash General Hospital Oncology or Hospice of southern Illinois in Tonys memory and will be accepted at the church.
Harre Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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