Thomas Paul Fair

Thomas Paul "Tom" Fair, 69, of Douglas Terrace, DD Homes, in Jacksonville, died Saturday, June 27, 2026, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.

He was born September 16, 1956, in Beardstown, the son of Chester and Grace Deming Fair.

He is survived by his sister Karen Pherigo (Allen) of Chandlerville; sister‑in‑law Dee Fair of Virginia; numerous nieces and nephews; his guardian and niece Lisa Winnett (companion Jon German) of Virginia; and his family at Douglas Terrace. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Nancy Case; and two brothers, Kenny Fair and Robert Keith "Bob" Fair.

Tom graduated from Virginia High School, class of 1974, and never lost his hometown pride. A born people-person, he loved chatting with neighbors on his porch or waving to folks as he drove around. For years he kept night watch as "Frank 1" and on the CB Radio as "Turkey Tom," helping keep the Cass County Fair safe and fun. He never missed the Virginia BBQ-always making a beeline for two corndogs and two lemonade shakeups. Tom delighted in classic TV on TV Land and country music (his favorite was "Wipe Out"). He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed an ice‑cold Pepsi in hand. Above all, his family was his greatest joy.

Graveside services will be held at 1:15 PM Thursday, 07/02/2026, at Beardstown City Cemetery. The family will meet with friends from 12-1 PM Thursday at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to Colwell Memorial Home. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.