Tom passed away peacefully at Villa Manor Care Center on Tuesday, December 21, 2021. He was 67 years old. Tom was born in Havelock, North Carolina, grew up in Lombard, Illinois and graduated from Glenbard East High School in 1972. He has spent the last 30 years in Lakewood, Colorado.
Tom's parents, Michalene and Daniel Budnik and his sister Barbara Chrabot preceded him in death.
He is survived by Bonnie Reeves, Pat (Gary) Bryant, Mike (Debi) Budnik, Liz (Rusty) Maples, Rich Budnik, Judy Voss, and numerous nieces and nephews; best friend Vince Cryns of Frankfort, Illinois, Bill McDonald of Villa Park, Illinois and Christine Gjelseen of Golden, Colorado.
Tom joined the United States Air Force in 1974 and was honorably discharged in 1980. He was an Airman fuel specialist. After the service, he refueled airplanes at O'Hare International Airport. Throughout his life, he was a house painter, Andy Fran - usher at Coors Field, parking lot attendant at Mile High Stadium and Coors Field, courier driver, church janitor at First Baptist Church in Lakewood/Denver Street School, Ace Hardware at 26th and Kipling. He also volunteered at Community Ministries Food Bank, Crossroads of the Rockies Food Bank, and the Talking Book Library.
Tom was a fan and supported all Chicago sports teams. He loved the Chicago White Sox, and any team that beat the Chicago Cubs.
A visitation for Thomas will be held Wednesday, January 5, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary & Cemetery, 7777 West 29th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. A funeral service will occur Thursday, January 6, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Olinger Crown Hill with a committal service and reception to follow.
Our family would like to thank Denver VA Hospital, the caring staff at Villa Manor Care Center, OT Plus - Joelle and Kristi, Agape Hospice. All of you touched Tom's life in a loving and positive way!
Tom was a gentle, humble soul.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CrownHillFuneral.com for the Budnik family.
