Tom S. Newman, 77, of Peoria, Illinois, transitioned from this earthly world to be with Jesus and his waiting family who preceded him in death. Tom died peacefully at his home with family by his side.

Tom was a man of many personalities. He was strong, outspoken, a fighter, but was also loving, caring and super fun. He had the gift of gab, and he commanded the room. If you knew Tom, you would be better for it.

Tom was born and raised in Meredosia, and, though he lived many places Tom never left Meredosia. Dosh held a piece of his heart. Tom wrote many books profiling his hometown and individuals who's life may have been overlooked. He wanted to show every life has a purpose and meaning. Some books have been published, but all are at the Meredosia library if you want to look them up. The "South End Boys" will show you all the shenanigans he and his friends got into.

Tom would always say he was proud to be a part of four teams: The Newman Clan, Class of "66", The United States Marines, and the South End Boys. Meredosia is where it started today, we will bury this South End boy, near his children, parents, brothers, and sister.
Tom was married twice, having three children, Paula, Doug, and Stan. He went on to marry Lori Larimore in 2004 and they have remained married until his death.

Tom accomplished a lot in his life. After graduation in 1966 he joined the United States Marines. He fought in Vietnam. "Once a Marine always a Marine" and he held true to this motto until his death.

Tom spent most of his career working with children in a residential childcare field and finishing working for the Department of Children and Family Services. Tom loved working with this population and working with At Risk Youth. Tom was the founding father of the Illinois Inter Agency Athletic Association (IIAA). This organization was developed to provide an avenue of recreational opportunities for these children who did not want to participate in athletics through their school. Sportsmanship was the focus. We are proud to say this organization has served thousands of children for 50 years.

After retiring, Tom filled his life with daily calls (sometimes twice a day) to Jack and Shirley Easley, Brad and Pam Lanier, and Dale and Shirley Hearold. Hopefully, you can all get some peace now. Tom would also try and make monthly calls to his cousin John Hageman, Barb, Tony and Liz, and Randy and Tammy Newman. Calls were more consistent before he became ill. His goal was to keep connected and have meaning.
Tom loved the homeless and this became a big part of his life. On our daily rides we had food, water, cigarettes, and umbrellas ready to help anyone in need. He also served food to the homeless at the Salvation Army. Thank you everyone for supporting this cause.

Tom was all this, but to his family he was their rock and source of guidance. Tom would say he may not have been the best father, but he wanted to be a good grandfather and great-grandfather to Zac, Chelsey, Isabella, Aries, and Theodore. They were the loves of his life. He wanted them to be around him until he died. Thank you, Zac and Chelsey, for agreeing to move in to help care for Tom until he died.

Tom suffered a lot of loss. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce Ruyle Newman and Mary Ellen Smith; brothers, Larry (Barb) Newman, Doug Newman, and Dave (Patsy) Buhlig; two children, Paula Philhower and Stan Newman; one grandson, Zachary Camp.
Those of us who remain, his wife, Lori Newman; his son, Doug (Alisha) Newman granddaughter, Chelsey Camp (Donny Sharp); son-in-law, Steve Philhower; great-grandchildren, Isabella, Aries and Theodore; his lifelong adopted son, Clifford Morgan; and his sister, Gayle (Frank) Fanshier, will move forward and hope to spread Tom's lessons of life to others.

Please learn one thing from Tom's life, life is to be shared, make those calls, tell people you love them, pray for others, serve others, put others before yourself but keep family and God first. As ever, from the word slinger, "Go Dosh!!"

A funeral service will be held 12 Noon, Monday, May 5, 2025, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Meredosia, with burial to follow at Oakland Cemetery. The family will meet friends at the funeral home starting at 11 a.m. until the start of the service. Memorial donations in memory of Tom are suggested to New Directions in Jacksonville, due to Tom's passion for helping the homeless. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.