Thomas A. Scott

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Thomas “Tom” Allen Scott, who left us peacefully March 17, 2026, at the age of 64.

Tom was born on March 13, 1962, in Champaign, Illinois, youngest of five children born to Emery and Mary Frances (Painter) Scott. A 1980 graduate of Rantoul High School, Tom was a dedicated athlete, lettering in both baseball and football. After high school, Tom earned his associates degree from Parkland College, a bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University, and a master’s degree from Illinois State University. An avid athlete well into adulthood, Tom spent years playing and coaching in the Eastern Illinois (EI) Baseball League and competitive slow-pitch softball for Kan-Do Concrete, Suds City, and various Co-Ed teams.

On July 16, 1988, Tom married his grade-school sweetheart, Kimberley (Siebert) Scott, at Peace Lutheran Church in Thomasboro. Their bond began years earlier at Thomasboro Grade School, growing into a 37-year marriage.

Tom dedicated his professional life to education, teaching Driver’s Ed and Physical Education. He began his career at Uni High and later moved to Clinton High School, where he taught until his retirement in 2024. However, his true calling was on the sidelines. His coaching journey started as a teenager with Thomasboro Pee Wee teams and spanned decades, including roles as the EIU men’s basketball manager, coaching basketball and soccer at Uni High, and softball at both Clinton High School and Millikin University.

When his daughters began playing, Tom transitioned to coach their local and travel teams to be by their side. He became a fixture in the Mahomet Seymour Fastpitch Association (MSFPA) for twenty years, continuing to mentor young athletes long after his own daughters had aged out of the program.

Tom was a great husband, dad, friend and coach to so many. He had the ability to connect with someone over the smallest detail of their life and would remember it and always bring up that detail when he saw the person again. He gave every athlete the skills and encouragement they needed. He had a very positive impact on so many on and off the field or court. He made lasting memories on the people in his life.

At home, Tom was happiest in his recliner—usually with a newspaper in hand—flipping between channels to a game, the History Channel, The First 48, or an old western. He took great pride in maintaining a pristine lawn and keeping the family cars in tip-top shape. His most special trait was his role as a "food guide". He took immense pleasure in discovering local eateries and sharing those recommendations with his family, friends, and teams.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Kim; two daughters, Jaime (fiancé Jaron Holbrook); and Carlee; siblings, Ruth (James) Wright of Madison, AL, and Larry (Ronda) Scott of Thomasboro; and his sister-in-law, Carol Scott of Gifford. He also leaves behind a large family of nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Stephen and James “Jim” Scott; and his nephew Michael Wright.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, March 27, at Sunset Funeral Home (1102 Churchill Rd, Mahomet, IL). Funeral services will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 28, also at the funeral home. A private burial will follow at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Champaign.

In honor of Tom’s lifelong love for sports and his favorite teams; the Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Cardinals, Iowa State Cyclones, and the Fighting Illini, the family asks that everyone ditches the traditional black attire. Please dress casually in your favorite team or university gear to both the visitation and the funeral. He would have loved to see a room full of fans!

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MSFPA, a cause that reflects his love for the game (Mahomet Seymour Fastpitch Association) Tom Scott memorial Fund. Checks can be made to MSFPA with the memorial fund noted in the memo.

The family invites you to share photos, videos, or written memories of Tom via the following link: https://www.dropbox.com/request/X4QVTCn3xWUfJ1v5CRpM