Mr. Thomas “Big Tom” L. Hankins Sr., 81, of Wataga, Illinois, passed away at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, October 5, 2025, surrounded by his family at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, Illinois.
He was born March 10, 1944, in Payson, Illinois to his mother Francis Campbell. He married the love of his life, Carol Ann Moore on May 31, 1963, in Galesburg. She preceded him in death earlier this year after 62 loving years together.
Tom is survived by a daughter, Tammy (Kevin) Connour, a brother, Jimmy (Sharon) Hankins, two sisters, Lavonne (Bob) Lewis and Cheryl Killgrove, a granddaughter, Brittany (Trey) Connour, and three great granddaughters, Izabella, Zariah, and Lyric. He is preceded in death by his parents, a son, Tommy Hankins Jr., and a brother Larry Hankins.
He attended Wataga and Galesburg area schools, later completing and earning his GED. Tom went on to enter the workforce, retiring in 2004 after working maintenance at Kopper’s Tie Plant for 42 years. He also completed some work on the railroad. Tom enjoyed the outdoors, spending his time fishing, camping, and going on walks. He also enjoyed woodworking and spending time with his beloved family and fur babies and you could often find him singing his infamous “Peanut Song”.
As “Big Tom” requested, a private family graveside service will be held. Memorials may be made to Cat-N-Around Animal Rescue. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services of Galesburg is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
