Thomas Edwin Kershaw, 83, died after a lengthy battle with cancer on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.
A private family service will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Sparta VFW, located at 1911 N. Market St. A public gathering will follow from 3 to 6 p.m.
Mr. Kershaw was born on July 30, 1941, in Hillsboro to the late Cecil and Helen Kershaw, the third of five siblings. He served three years in the Army as a transport operator in Germany. After returning home, he worked at the Peabody Coal Company as an underground shift supervisor and surface supervisor for over 30 years.
The final two decades of his life were defined by his passion for cooking his famous fried chicken in an iron skillet, enjoying leisure time on his screened-in back porch while listening to outlaw country music and growing his robust vegetable garden. Mr. Kershaw was a dedicated member of his community, particularly enjoying the half-mile drive to the VFW where he engaged with fellow veterans.
Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Kershaw loved being around him. His capacity to share joy and kindness was evident in every interaction he had. He was loved by all, especially his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and he was proud to be a “simple man.”
He is survived by his children, Sandy, Barbe, Mike (Karen), Susan Cathy (Huntley), Jeri Lynn and Charles; stepchildren, Tina and Christy; grandchildren, Adam, Devin, Morgan, Charlie, Brady, Sophie, Mikey, Ellie and Bronwyn; great-grandchildren, Alaric, Gabriel, Greyson and Gianni; and older brothers, Cecil (Nancy) and Ross (Carolyn).
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Jane Durbin and Ann Seamon.
Condolences may be left online at www.davis-andersonfuneralhome.com
