Thomas E. “Tommy” Scidmore died Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Rock River Hospice & Home in Sterling, IL.
His last few days were spent surrounded by his loving wife and his children and grandchildren. He reminisced and shared special memories, even while assuring everyone that he knew he was saved by the blood of Jesus, and he was ready to go home to heaven when it was his time.
Tom was born June 18, 1939, in Marseilles, Brookfield Township, IL, to Elmer and Irene (Enockson) Scidmore. He grew up on a dairy farm. From early on, he developed a love for animals and farming the land. Tom always had a special way with cows and pigs in particular, instinctively knowing how to guide them and get them to follow his leading. He spent many years showing at fairs, earning a number of Championship and Grand Championship awards, for both his animals and for showmanship.
As a young man he met Carol Swenson on a blind date, and knew pretty quickly that she was the one. They married on September 18, 1960, and shared their lives for 48 years, until her passing on December 11, 2008. Together they had four children who grew up to share the same love of farm life as both Tom and Carol had.
Tom was blessed to find love again, he and married Virginia K. Bush on April 11, 2015, in Fulton, IL. He found great joy in sharing his life with Ginny. He also enjoyed staying connected to the farming community, driving around checking on the crops, and hauling cattle for his son John whenever needed. He was known for his warm personality; in fact, he never met a stranger. He could easily spend hours visiting with anyone.
Tom is survived by his wife, Virginia; daughters, Ruth Jones of Dekalb, IL, Sara Nichols of Morrison, IL, and Margi (Eric) Mehlhausen of Ridott, IL; son, John (Angie) Scidmore of Chadwick, IL; stepdaughters, Christie (Charlie) Lacy of Albany, IL, and Donna (Mike) Zolecki of Bartlett, IL; stepson, Dan (Cherise) Bush of Chadwick; eight grandchildren, Steven (Danielle) Nichols and Noah Nichols, Jacob (Amanda) Hall, and Caleb (Jessica) Hall, Rachel, Sydney, Regan, and Jackson Scidmore; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Barb Kember of Serena, IL, and Kathy Young of Prescott, AZ.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Carol.
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the charity of your choice.
A Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, in Morrison, IL.
The Funeral date/location is yet to be determined.