Obituary for Tom Billman
Tom Billman, 53, of Champaign, IL, passed at 11:55 a.m. on Friday, November 6, 2020, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. Cremation rites will be accorded by Illiana Cremation Society. A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held in the summer of 2021. Specific details will be announced closer to the celebration.
Tom was born in Urbana, IL, on June 25, 1967 to Jane (See) Billman and Charles Billman of rural Tolono. Passing before him were his parents and two sisters, Debra Billman-Taylor and Teresa A. Billman.
Tom graduated from Villa Grove High School in 1986. He completed the JETS vocational training program in janitorial services through Developmental Services Center (DSC) thereafter. For the next 20 years, he worked as a janitor at Illini Towers, Good ‘Ole Days Bakery, and Steak N’ Shake. In 2007, Tom began working and receiving Community Day Services at DSC.
Tom has been described as “a good and kind man whose laugh, wonderful dry sense of humor, and gentle spirit will be missed.” A cousin shared, “You’d never know that Tom was anything but loving and happy. His soul was always shining.” Tom experienced phenomenal loss in his life; yet, through it all, his foundational qualities of love, kindness, and humor persevered. No doubt, that is his legacy. Tom was passionate about nature (especially the ocean), animals, travel, art galleries, making crafts, playing Bingo, and socializing with others over food and drink. He also enjoyed watching wrestling, the Disney channel, and HGTV.
Many friends and relatives are remembering Tom’s time here on earth especially his sisters, Lisa Billman (Charleston, IL), and Catherine Billman (Danville, IL), his best friend - Jeff, and the many cherished social service providers who worked with him over the years.
Tom’s family are forever grateful for the long-term support of DSC and the more recent support of Illini Heritage Rehab and Health. In lieu of flowers and/or church services, Tom wished that donations be made in his name directly to DSC, 1304 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign, IL 61821, for the purpose of Community Day Services (CDS) Activity Funds.
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Tom was born in Urbana, IL, on June 25, 1967 to Jane (See) Billman and Charles Billman of rural Tolono. Passing before him were his parents and two sisters, Debra Billman-Taylor and Teresa A. Billman.
Tom graduated from Villa Grove High School in 1986. He completed the JETS vocational training program in janitorial services through Developmental Services Center (DSC) thereafter. For the next 20 years, he worked as a janitor at Illini Towers, Good ‘Ole Days Bakery, and Steak N’ Shake. In 2007, Tom began working and receiving Community Day Services at DSC.
Tom has been described as “a good and kind man whose laugh, wonderful dry sense of humor, and gentle spirit will be missed.” A cousin shared, “You’d never know that Tom was anything but loving and happy. His soul was always shining.” Tom experienced phenomenal loss in his life; yet, through it all, his foundational qualities of love, kindness, and humor persevered. No doubt, that is his legacy. Tom was passionate about nature (especially the ocean), animals, travel, art galleries, making crafts, playing Bingo, and socializing with others over food and drink. He also enjoyed watching wrestling, the Disney channel, and HGTV.
Many friends and relatives are remembering Tom’s time here on earth especially his sisters, Lisa Billman (Charleston, IL), and Catherine Billman (Danville, IL), his best friend - Jeff, and the many cherished social service providers who worked with him over the years.
Tom’s family are forever grateful for the long-term support of DSC and the more recent support of Illini Heritage Rehab and Health. In lieu of flowers and/or church services, Tom wished that donations be made in his name directly to DSC, 1304 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign, IL 61821, for the purpose of Community Day Services (CDS) Activity Funds.
To plant a tree in memory of Tom Billman, visit the Tribute Store.
Events
Event Information
Cremation has taken place.
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