Thomas Scott Buchanan

Thomas Scott Buchanan, lovingly known as “Scotty” to his family and friends, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025, at St. Francis Medical Center, surrounded by family and close friends. His passing leaves a space in the hearts of many, but his spirit and memory will forever remain.

Born to Thomas and Wanda (Frankino) Buchanan, Scott grew up in Westville, Illinois, where he graduated from Westville High School. He was the proud brother to Shelly (Norman) Jenkins and Sandy (John) Hart. He adored his nieces and nephews: Joshua Mingee, Corissa Jenkins, Nathan (Lyndsey) Jenkins, Alec (Michelle) Hart, and Rayn Hart, along with his great-nieces and nephews: Rylee and Austyn Mingee, Nash, Noah and Sloan Jenkins, and Havyn and Kylan Hart.

Scott’s friendships ran deep, with bonds lasting a lifetime. His circle of friends — Chip (Monica) Moretto, Dennis (Sherry) Shannon, Rick (Amy) Zaayer, Randy Vantrepotte and Berl and Jacci Weller— weren’t just friends, but brothers/ sisters by choice. Together, they shared countless memories of their youthful shenanigans and conversations about their legendary guys’ trips to Florida, where stories were made and laughter never ran short.

A true Illinois sportsman at heart, Scott was a diehard fan of the Chicago Bears, the Cubs, and the Fighting Illini. Wrigley Field felt like home during baseball season, and he never missed a chance to rally behind his teams — win or lose. The 4th of July was a sacred tradition for Scott, as he hosted his annual pool party where family and friends gathered for food, drinks, pool volleyball, and storytelling that stretched into the evening.

Scott had a knack for making everyone feel welcome — a man who truly never met a stranger. His fun-loving, generous, and kind demeanor made him the heart of any gathering. Whether it was teaching his nieces and nephews how to swim, enjoying golf cart rides around town, or trying his luck at a poker machine, Scott filled every moment with a smile of joy and warmth.

Scott faced life’s challenges with resilience and courage, living longer than expected with his lifelong medical conditions. His strength was admired by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Thomas and Wanda, and though the world feels dimmer without him, Scotty’s memory shines bright in every Cubs game, every Fourth of July gathering, and in the hearts of those privileged enough to have called him family, brother, uncle or friend.

In his honor, raise a glass (or can), catch a game, and remember that life is about the people you love, the memories you make, and the laughs you share.

“Go, Cubs Go.”

A service to celebrate the life of Thomas Scott Buchanan will be held at 6 PM on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at Sunset Urbas Funeral Home, 415 S. State St., Westville, IL 61883. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville at a later date. Visitation will be held from 4–6 PM on Tuesday prior to the service, also at Sunset Urbas Funeral home.

Please join Scott’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of his life through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.