An All-American runner, a World War II veteran, a business innovator and a devoted community leader in Warren County for more than 100 years has died.
John Edward Twomey of Monmouth passed away on Monday, April 28 in Sarasota, Florida. Noted in his obituary as “truly one of the last of this country’s Greatest Generation,” Twomey was 101.
Born on Sept. 10, 1923, on his family’s farm, Twomey’s life was marked by extraordinary achievements.
Too small for the Roseville High School basketball team, he earned a letter “R” as team manager to win a dance date, but according to family, his true calling was long-distance running. At Western Illinois University, he never lost a two-mile or cross-country race, earning All-American honors from 1941 to 1943.
Obituary: John E. Twomey ~ September 10, 1923 — April 28, 2025
After serving as a radio operator in the Army Air Corps, flying missions over the “Hump” and aiding in the destruction of the Bridge over the River Kwai, he resumed his running career at the University of Illinois. Representing the AAU US team, Twomey competed globally, winning the 1950 Boardwalk Mile and ranking as the fourth-fastest 1,500-meter runner in AAU history with a 3:51.3-minute mile.
Returning to Roseville, Twomey married Mary Craig, his soda fountain sweetheart, and together they raised five children during their 62-year marriage. He joined his father at Twomey Company, a grain elevator business, where he pioneered “flat storage” and earned the nickname “Mr. Flat Storage.” He grew the company through customer service and innovation.
He volunteered extensively with the Monmouth Country Club, Rotary International, Monmouth Hospital, YMCA and grain industry committees.
John Twomey is survived by four children: Susan Twomey, Marisa Silvestri, Craig Twomey and Sarah Walters; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on May 10, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Monmouth, with visitation from 4-7 p.m. on May 9 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory.
