Thomas J. Goodman

Thomas J. Goodman, age 76 of West Salem, Illinois left his earthly body to lead the way to a celebration of his life so very well lived and so very well loved. He passed away at 11:44 pm, Saturday, March 14, 2026, at his home with his wife, family and friends gathering as quickly as possible to be by his side.

Tom was born on July 4, 1949, in Chicago, IL to Yvonne Hunter Goodman and Frank Edward Goodman who proceeded him in death. Also, going on before him were stepfather Frank Hurt, his brother Daniel (Bonnie) Goodman, sister Ellen Goodman and brother Eugene (Debbie) Hurt.

He married his true soul mate and best friend, Averi Layne Parvand, on November 8, 1992. Tom and Averi were baptized together in Christ our Lord that morning and married that afternoon at the First Christian Church in West Salem. They shared the most wonderful life and adventures together and are blessed each day by their children Jana and Gino Darrough, Alyssa and Derek Raber and Grandchildren: Casey, Lauren and Hudson Calhoun, Chase and Tamara Calhoun, Kyrsten and Daniel Wright, Mia and Drew Lewis, Ava Darrough, Kaiser Case, Kollin Case, Kaylie Vallette, Adelyn Raber and Zoey Raber.

Other surviving loved ones include brother, Frank (Mary) Goodman, brother David (Penny) Hurt, brothers-in-law, Bill (Becky), and Jon (Julie) Boles. Father-in-Law, Morteza Parvand, brother-in-law Ali (Sanam) Parvand, sister-in-law, Leila (Ebrahim) Parvand, sister-in-law, Shila (Hassan) Parvand and many, many beloved nieces and nephews.

All who knew and loved Tom absolutely knew they were his favorite. Because they really were. His wife, daughters and grandchildren were the most precious to Tom. He loved big, led by example and corrected with love. They’ll lovingly remember all of his many “Tom-isms,” one being “You’ll get over it in time” and know they have an angel continuing to guide them.

Tom began a long career at Champion Laboratories in 1972 working in maintenance in West Salem. He then served as Superintendent of Maintenance in Albion for several years. Then on to Mechanical Engineering. He never lost the desire to broaden his knowledge, sharpen his skillset, and move forward, taking many classes at University of Evansville, Southern Indiana University to expand his knowledge of hydraulics and machinery. Most importantly, he knew his charge here was to pass his knowledge on to others. Time and time again, the stories abound of how much he taught so many and in many ways. Tom retired after 41 years at Champion and has truly enjoyed all the days that followed and time with each and every one of his friends.

Tom was nearing his 50th year as a member of the West Salem Masonic Lodge #866. He was a Knight’s Templar and member of York Rite. He recently had been appointed District Deputy Grand Marshal and enjoyed traveling and meeting with other brethren in his district of Southern Illinois.

Visitation for Thomas J. Goodman will be on Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Ingram Meridith Funeral Home in Albion, IL with Masonic Rites commencing at 7:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at Ingram Meridith Funeral Home in Albion, IL. Burial will follow in the Zion Cemetery in West Salem, IL.

Ingram Meridith Funeral Home of Albion, IL.