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BORN
1941
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Thomas Atwood Obituary
He was born March 25, 1941, in Springfield, the son of Joseph Harold and Amelia Harden Atwood. He married Karen Guffey on July 2, 1983, in Ashland, and she survives.
He is also survived by four sons, Scot Atwood (wife, Kim) of Ashland, Jeffrey Atwood (wife, Barbara) of Virginia, Michael Atwood (wife, Suzette) of Mason City, and Nicholas Atwood (wife, Alysia) of DeKalb; five grandchildren, Jordan Atwood of Edwardsville, Jared Atwood of Virginia, and Amelia, Thomas and Vivian Atwood, all of Mason City; four siblings, Dan Atwood (wife, Linda) of Palmyra, John Atwood (wife, Mary) of Springfield, Richard Atwood (wife, Colleen) of Brighton, Michigan, and Janet Helmich (husband, Dan) of Louisville, Kentucky; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, William Atwood; and a sister, Barbara Jones.
A 1959 graduate of Ashland High School, Thomas served with the U.S. Army in Germany and later attended Lincoln Land Community College. He farmed in Morgan County for several years prior to establishing Atwood Construction in Ashland where he provided residential and commercial building services. He later worked as a union carpenter with Springfield Carpenters Local 16 for Murray Construction of Springfield.
He was a member of Ashland VFW Post 3546 and of the Christian faith. Thomas was a voracious reader and maverick philosopher. A short wave radio enthusiast, Thomas enjoyed many pursuits including hunting and flying as a licensed private pilot. His greatest passion was reserved for time spent with his grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Saturday at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Ashland, with military honors and burial on the Atwood Farm, west of Prentice. The family will meet friends 5-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home and during a time of fellowship following the burial at the Yatesville School House, west of Prentice. Memorial gifts are suggested to St. Labre Indian School or the Ashland VFW and American Legion Posts. Condolences may be sent online at buchanancody.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Atwood
6 Entries
Ted Surratt
March 21, 2016
Janet, so sorry to hear of the passing of your brother.Cherish the memories. May God grant you peace at this time.
Ted Surratt
March 21, 2016
Janet, so sorry to hear of the passing of your brother. Cherish the memories.
Lin & Jim MANN
March 17, 2016
We send our deep sympathies to the entire Atwood clan. We hope the gathering of family and friends helps all of you through this difficult time. Our memories of Tom are fleeting moments but the stories from Janet and her girls made him seem part of our family, too. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Don & Kaye Parsons
March 17, 2016
We are sorry to read of Tom's passing. Think the only one in the whole family that we did not have as students was William Sr. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of grievance.
Susie Drabing
March 17, 2016
Karen and family, I am so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. May God be with you during this difficult time.
Angie Merritt Sexton
March 16, 2016
Scott, Jeff and Michael I am so terribly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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Memorial Events
for Thomas Atwood
Mar
18
Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home - Ashland Chapel221 W. Editor St., Ashland, IL 62612
Mar
19
Funeral service
3:00 p.m.
Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home - Ashland Chapel221 W. Editor St., Ashland, IL 62612
Funeral services provided by:
Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home - Ashland Chapel221 W. Editor St., Ashland, IL 62612
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