Tommy “Tom” E. Anderson, 70, of Bloomington formerly of Heyworth, died at 11:14 a.m., Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Bickford Senior Living Home, Bloomington.
Cremation rites have been accorded and a celebration of Tom’s life will be held at the American Legion in Heyworth on Aug. 9 from 4-7 pm. A private family funeral will be held at a later date. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Chenoa is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Mended Hearts (mendedhearts.org).
Mr. Anderson was born February 8, 1955 in Bloomington; a son to Clarence and Nelva (Davis) Anderson. His parents and one sister, Lola Smiley preceded him in death.
Survivors include, one son, Greg (Sara) Anderson of Chenoa; one daughter, Leisa (Ryan) Gibson of Heyworth; one sister, Tam (Chris) Watson of Malta, IL; one brother, Joe (Christi) Rousey of Gaylord, MI; five adoring grandchildren, Jaxon Anderson, Brooklyn, Nolan and Emerson Beland and Landyn Gibson.
Tom graduated from Heyworth High School in 1973. That same year he started his career at the Firestone tire plant in Normal. Tom work in various capacities at the plant, which later became America OTR and then Bridgestone, for 27 years before health problems cut his career short.
After receiving a heart transplant in 2000, Tom volunteered his time with Mended Hearts to help comfort other heart transplant patients and those with heart disease. He also participated in the annual American Heart Association Heart Walk for many years.
Tom enjoyed many hobbies during his life including softball, bowling and going for long drives. But his favorite pastime was golf. He enjoyed playing a wide variety of courses spread across multiple states. Tom was a member of the Ironwood Golf Course Prune Juice League. However, he most enjoyed playing a round of golf with family.
Tom was a beloved father, grandfather, friend and neighbor. The residents of Bickford Senior Living have named him the ‘King of the Ball’ for the past two years. He had a soft spot for teddy bears and his pet cocker spaniel name Taffy, even 30 years after her passing. Tom will be missed by all that knew him, but they will count themselves lucky for the time they got to spend with him.
Online condolences and guestbook for the family are available at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.