Thomas Roland Billington, 79, of Springfield, died at his home on Saturday, October 5, 2024. He was born November 16, 1944 in Springfield, IL, the son of Norman W. and Catherine (Barten) Billington.

He is survived by his brother, Jack (Sue Ellen) Billington of Springfield and special niece, Leah Catherine Billington of Springfield.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Norma Catherine Billington.

Affectionately known as “The Senator's Left-Handed Quarterback” Tom enjoyed his days at Springfield High School on the football & basketball & golf teams.

Throughout his life he appreciated his association with The American Business Club --- particularly The Bowling Team and The Children's Christmas Party. For many years he thoroughly enjoyed working The Grandstand at The State Fair.

Tom was a low handicap golfer and enjoyed his days at Oakcrest Country Club as well as Classic Saturday & Sunday mornings with The Special Gang at The Rail.

His business career began with a paper route at age 10 in Champaign and he followed that up with another route when his family moved to Springfield. One summer he made & installed Street Signs with the Springfield Street Department.

Another summer he helped to build swimming pools in the State of Florida. Two of his greatest joys = (1) serving The Springfield Muni Opera along with his sister, Norma, as for many years they helped to provide bus service for patrons; and, (2) being able to assist and participate in the events of the Springfield Ballet Company along with A Very Special Friend who shared the excitement of Real Broadway. “Trips to Galesburg” were periodic highlights in Tom's life as he had opportunities to visit with “Extended Family” --- he cherished being “Papa Tom” and loved to tell about Those Football Games.

From his early days at Stock Car Races to his trips to Daytona & Indianapolis for their respective 500s = Tom loved the roar of the engines and the excitement of the enormous skill of the drivers engaged in 100 mph drafting and side-by-side racing.

Tom appreciated the company and camaraderie of a rescue pup, and it is easy to

see him now excitedly visiting with Maychem and Lexie as they signal to Payne.

Tom was as avid University of Illinois fan from the age of 4 ….. graduated from Illinois with his Bachelor's Degree …..and only mellowed his feelings as an Alum when Illinois made “the dumbest mistake ever = abolishing Chief Illiniwek”.

He graduated from John Marshall Law School and was once locked in the school overnight during the April l968 Chicago riots while State and Federal troops (including Dick Butkus) occupied and guarded the streets adjoining the school.

Tom cherished his 1979 Silver Corvette for 40+ years (carefully protecting IT in the bad weather) and he could ultimately only part with it when one of his best friends asked if he could buy it = agreeing to restore it back to it's original glory.

Tom practiced law in The Spirit of Abraham Lincoln in Springfield for more than 50 years as part of The Law Firm of Billington & Billington and he became a most valuable resource for thousands of clients who faithfully relied upon his expertise.

He was proud to serve as a Guardian Ad Litem on various occasions = an honor that ultimately led to Tom being invited to be a member of The Board of Directors of The Rutledge Youth Foundation.

For 80 years (11/16/44) Tom was a coveted Son … Brother … Brother-In-Law … and Uncle to his family and a very special friend to a multitude of acquaintances.

Tom will be sad to miss being able to vote on November 5 and He Trusts that you will cast your vote for those who match your values and your respect for America.

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