Debbie. I am sorry about your loss. I really was never around big Tom but when I was he always welcomed in to his home. I have fell out of touch with u since Tom Jr passed away he was my best friend and still to this day he is although he is no longer here. Stay strong and continue to the the wonderful person that I remember u by once again sorry and take care

We were sorry to hear of Tom's death.  We first got to know him when our sons were  playing Little League baseball in Royalton, and Tom was one of their coaches.  He was very patient with them, and treated all of the boys with kindness and respect.  Debbie, Char, Ciara,Rohan, and all members of the family,  you have our deepest sympathy.   Pat Horn, Royalton and now Herrin.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. I'm sending you a hug from afar. May god wrap his loving arms around you. 

(Leslie Harper's Sister)

I send my prayers to the family. May God continue to comfort your hearts and give u peace during this storm. Tom and I worked on same crew for years. He was a very hard worker. We would talk about the Lord and his grand kids. To the family, stay encouraged. Keep your heads up. Weeping may endure for a night but joy is coming. Be blessed.

Beautiful pictures.  You can see how much he loved Ciara and Rohan in them and how proud he was of you, Char, in all his Illini gear. I especially love the hammock and car washing photos.  I'm so sorry you have to go through this, he was taken from you far too soon.  May you find peace in time.

To Deb & Char ( lift up your head and wipe your tears away open your eyes because it's a brand new day open your heart don't start to hide let all your feelings out that you have inside you know days will be different in every way but even though it saddens you still have to pray  God Bless

It is apparent from these photos how much Tom was loved and how much he loved his family. I can still picture him sitting in the waiting room at my tumbling gym. He always had a smile and a look of pride as he watched Char perform.  He made sure his life "counted". My heart breaks for his loved ones, and many prayers of comfort  have been said.

Our lives have been made so much richer for having you as a friend.

Our lives are so much richer to have been blessed with your friendship.

Char and Debbie, I can't begin to understand why things happen when they do.  My heart is breaking for both of you during this painful time.  I have many memories of "Buck" (my dad's coal mining buddy)from so long ago.  I know you are both strong and will get through these next few days, just know that I, and a lot more people, have you in our thoughts and prayers.  I loved being around your dad throughout the years and I can never remember him NOT SMILING!  Prayers!!

Tom had an amazing smile and contagious laugh. Even though I haven't seen him in many years since high school,  I can still hear him. Tom will be missed by his family & by his classmates of Zeigler-Royalton High.

The Torres family (Rachel and Ben from Caravan) send our deepest sympathies.

We can imagine Tom enjoying the thrills of heaven as he praises his Lord with his hands held high and that big grin on his face!!!  He was a wonderful man who blessed us all here on earth and we can not express in words how he will be missed!!  His ability to love others unconditionally and serve consistently is a small part of his legacy. Our prayers are with his faithful wife Debbie, the love of his life, his daughter and grandchildren, and all of his family.  We thank God for allowing us to have such a wonderful friend and we know we will meet again!!!!

In memory of one of the best friends and men that we have known.  Tom is loved and will truly be missed.

I was lucky enough to work with Tom. Not only work but to get to know Tom as a man.  4 things you knew once you met Tom. 1. He loved life. Knowing in his younger days he lived life not always the way he should've like most of us. He found his way with his faith.  2.  He absolutely LOVED his kids. Always bragging on their accomplishments.  How lucky he was that his daughter gave him grand babies.  He told me not a day went by he didn't think of his son. The sorrow was with him daily. 3. His grand kids!  Wow did he love and boast about them babies. I never met them but seen the pictures in his locker. Countless stories on then as well.  He told me the day before his passing on how sure he was his grandson was a ball player.  Lastly his loving wife. I got to met Mrs Buckingham at my wedding. What a gorgeous, elegant woman.  Tom told me on a midnight before my wedding that she saved his life. He owed everything to his wife and to treat mine the same.  At work, Tom never knew a enemy. His quick southern sayings had us all laughing and smiling.  Tom we will miss you. So happy to have called you my friend.

OBITUARY

Thomas F. Buckingham

June 2, 1951 – June 28, 2014

Chapel Hill Gardens South Funeral Home & Cemetery

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