Thomas William Saxbury, 90, of El Dara passed away Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at the IL Veterans Home in Quincy. He was born on January 8, 1929 to Ben W. and Alma (Blacketer) Saxbury at Cincinnati Landing near New Canton, IL. He married Karen Moore on September 18, 1971 in Quincy and she survives.
Thomas enlisted in the Army in 1948 and served for over 7 years during the Korean War where he was stationed during the war. After his honorable discharge he began a career driving trucks and drove over the road for over 20 years. He hauled for Trinity and Carl Conners and other thru his years. He was member of the El Dara Christian Church and was baptized at a young age in the river and again much later at the church. He was also a member of the Barry American Legion and the old VFW in Barry. He served as Road Commissioner for 8 years for the Derry Township and served on the board there and also served on the board for the El Dara Township. Thomas enjoyed fishing and mushrooming and carpentry, updating his own home several times. He kept horses and enjoyed riding in his younger years. He enjoyed playing cards with neighbors and family and liked to sit in his front porch swing and visit with his friends and neighbors.
He is survived by his wife Karen, a son, Ron (wife Janet) Saxbury of Newport, NC and two daughters; Melissa (husband Randy) Rudd of Quincy and Laura (Robert Colston) Williams of New Canton, two sisters; Phyllis Shatzer of Cedar Rapids, IA and Bonnie Saxbury of Hull. Also surviving are grandchildren; R.J. Rudd, Nicholas Williams, Anthony Saxbury, Natalie Williams, Elizabeth Williams and step grandchildren; Emily and Becky Rivers and four great grandchildren; Lily, Gabe, Greyson and Willow.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers; Ben and Richard, a sister, Ruth Colvin and a daughter Jill Anne in 1980.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 P.M., Saturday, January 26, 2019 at the Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry with Pastor Wes Tischer officiating. Burial will be at Shearer Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 12:00 P.M. prior to the service. Memorials are suggested to the Pike County Animal Shelter or Shearer Cemetery. The Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry is handling the arrangements.
Deepest sympathy to Tom's family and loved ones.
Karen, Deepest sympathy to you and your family in the loss of Tom. May God be with you and comfort you .
I had the privilege of knowing Tom and having him for a Father in Law for 16 years. I loved hearing his stories. He will be missed. Rest in Peace Tom!
Thoughts and prayers to you Karen,and your family.May the Lord hear your prayers and your love one be welcomed with opened arms.
PEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was sent by Janet Saxbury.
Prayers to the family. Tom and my dad(Bob Fusselman) were very good friends. Another angel got their wings.
My thoughts are with you as I just learned of Tom.
I have always heard and just read in your condolences of this good man.
My prayer for you is God will comfort and secure your faith thru this sad time.
I hope you will have many warm, pleasant and even funny memories to sustain you. It doesn't seem so long ago I can see your smile and hear your voice saying..."Tom this and Tom that," when we worked together.