Thomas E. Buell

CHARLESTON, IL – Thomas Edward Buell, age 81 of Charleston, was in the comfort of his home and surrounded by loving family when he went to his Heavenly Home on Wednesday, February 20, 2019.  Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 25, 2019 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston.  The funeral service honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, with Pastors Chris Prater and Pat Murphy officiating.  Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston with military services to be conducted by the Charleston VFW and Charleston American Legion combined honor guard.  Memorial donations in his honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children.  Gifts may be left at the visitation/service or mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.

Tom was born September 3, 1937 in Charleston, Illinois, a son of the late Herman E. and Gladys (Glosser) Buell.  He and Beverly J. Ayers were married on February 15, 1959 in Cornith, Mississippi and this past Friday they were blessed with 60 years of marriage.  In addition to his loving and devoted wife, Beverly, left to cherish their many fond memories are his children, Becky Carter and husband Ed and Doug Buell and wife Andrea, all of Charleston; five grandchildren, Josh Carter and fiancé Misty, J.D.Carter and wife Christina, Jared Carter, Amber King and husband Jared and Seth Thomas Buell and fiancé Kayla; seven great-grandchildren; and a brother, Ronnie Buell of Charleston.  In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded by two brothers, Rick and Jon Buell.

Tom honorably and faithfully served his country as a fighter gunner pilot with the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.  Upon returning home he completed his schooling and attended E.I.U.  Tom was the owner of B & J Towing for many years and was a truck driver for Howell Asphalt Company.    He was a member of First Baptist Church, Charleston American Legion Post #93, Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 and a former member of the Charleston Moose Lodge #1388.

Tom’s collection of antique clocks sparked an interest in repairing and building clocks of his own which he has gifted to many of his family.  He also built and raced stock cars and was always ready to share his mechanical knowledge with others – he was a good teacher.  Tom was a Chicago Cubs fan and a lover of animals.  His dogs were considered to be a part of the family and were treated as such.  Tom’s motivation in life truly was his family and he worked hard to provide for their needs.  When it came to being a good husband, father and grandfather, Tom was the best and his loving family will continue to cherish their many fond memories.