THOMAS E. SPRINGER, II

            On October 21, 2025, Thomas “Tom” E. Springer, II, of Henderson, Kentucky, passed away at the age of 80 after an extended illness, surrounded by family, while under the care of St. Anthony’s Hospice.

            Tom was born to the late Thomas E. and Carma Lillian Riggs Springer on November 18, 1944, in Morganfield, Kentucky.  He graduated from Morganfield High School in 1962 and attended Freed-Hardeman College in Henderson, Tennessee, where he was active in the College Chorus.  Tom then transferred to Murray State University, earning a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education with a major in History and a minor in Agriculture.

            He worked as a teacher before serving at the Earle C. Clements Job Corps as a Counsellor.  Tom later became a Scout Executive for the Buffalo Trace Council of the Boy Scouts of America in Evansville, Indiana.  It was while in this job that he met the love of his life, Mary Alice Tolson.  They were married in 1972 and recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.

            In 1975, Tom took up full-time farming of the family farm and in 1983 began a career as a Social Worker at the McCurdy and Woodbridge Nursing Homes, retiring in 2007.

            For 21 years, Tom served as a Committee member of BSA Troop 280, helping to support the Troop and volunteering to lead Scouts on trips to summer camps, Jamborees, and Troop campouts and excursions.  During this time, both of his sons earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

            Tom was an active stamp collector and a 50-year member of the Evansville Stamp club, where he not only served in many offices but also mentored new members.  He wrote the newsletter and conducted monthly stamp auctions as well as the one for the annual Evanspex Stamp Show.

            Tom enjoyed being a UK Wildcat basketball and football fan.  He was a member of the Murray State Alumni group and kept up with Racer football, basketball, and the marching band.

            Tom grew up in and was affiliated with the Church of Christ.

            Tom is survived by his wife, Mary Alice Tolson Springer; two sons, Tom E. Springer, III, and his wife, Russella, of Madisonville, Kentucky, and Matthew Tolson Springer of Louisville, Kentucky; and two grandchildren, Ethan and Alexandria Springer.

            He was loved and will be missed by the families of his 8 nieces and nephews by marriage: John (Debbie) Burnett, Bob Burnett, Mary Jane (Tim) Pratt, David (Kathy) Burnett, Lisa (Joe) Harpring, Kay (David) Scott, Becky (Paul) Neuhedel, and Jennifer Tolson.

            The family wants to extend special thanks to his faithful caregivers: Patty Payne, Delilah Cobb, and Misty Dawn Courtney.

            Funeral services for Tom will be at noon Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home, 604 Center Street, Henderson, Kentucky 42420.  David Richard Burnett and David Salisbury will officiate.  Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Boxville, Kentucky.

            Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, October 27, 2025, and from 10 a.m. until service time Tuesday at the funeral home.

            In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Potter Children's Home and Family Ministries, 2350 Nashville Road, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101, Luke Neuhedel Foundation, P.O. Box 7227, Garden City, New York 11530 (www.Lukefund.org), St. Anthony’s Hospice, 2410 South Green Street, Henderson, Kentucky 42420, or a charity of your choice.

            Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.