Tom was born in Decatur, IL March 1, 1941 the son of Melvin and Velva (Patterson) Burkett. His father preceded him in death. He was a graduate of Macon High School and attended Lincoln Land Community College. Tom enlisted and served in the United States Army at Ft. Hood from 1962-1965.
Tom married Nancy Lorraine Stone in 1970 and she preceded him in death in 2009. He is survived by Janet Peecher of Springfield, whom he married in 2010.
Also surviving are his mother, Velva Burkett of Decatur, IL, son, Timothy (Stacy) Burkett of Cantrall, IL, two daughters; Jennifer Burkett of Mount Auburn, IL and Nicole “Nikki” (James LaGuardia) Burkett of Murphysboro, IL, two step sons, Dr. Matthew (Stephanie) Peecher of Springfield and Mark (Tracie) Peecher of Urbana, IL, two grandchildren; Joshua and Nicole, eight step-grandchildren: Benjamin Peecher, Eli (Sarah) Peecher, Zachary (Megan) Peecher, Andrew (Andrea) Peecher, Abigail (Clark) Hubbard, Jacob, Grace, Violet and Lilah Peecher, two sisters; Donna Wright and Linda Temple, a brother, Ardy Burkett, all of Decatur, IL and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Tom was a technician for Xerox Corporation for many years. Although retired from Xerox, he continued working up to the time of his illness. He was the owner and operator of a lawn care and building maintenance business and Tom’s Sharpening Service. Tom was self-taught in so many things. He learned to play bass guitar because of his love for Gospel music especially Quartets. He loved to travel to Tennessee for Gospel concerts. He engineered his own solar panel electrical system for his home, and designed and built bird feeders. He designed his four season room at his home with perfect views of the birds that would visit his feeders. He became proficient at auto body work and painting of vehicles and especially restoration of John Deere tractors. He could fix anything.
Tom was a strong Christian man with a devoted faith in his Lord. He was a past member of Calvary Temple Christian Center and a member of Springfield Bible Church.
Arrangements are in the care of Bisch Funeral Home West located at 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd. Springfield, IL 62711 where the family will greet friends and loved ones on Thursday October 13, 2022 from 5-7 pm. A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 14, 2022 at 10 am at the funeral home with Pastors John Standard and Paul Rose officiating. Burial will follow at Chatham Memorial Cemetery, Chatham, IL with military honors provided by the Inter-Veterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.
Those who wish to do so may direct memorial contributions to the Springfield Bible Church or Calvary Temple Christian Center.
Please visit the online “Life Remembered” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be made.
Bisch Funeral Home West. 217-544-5424
