1665 – PRESENT
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STOVALL HERITAGE FOUNDATION
Remembering Tom
Remembering Tom
Thomas Gary “Tom” Stovall (1957–2026), affectionately known as “Tuffy,” was a devoted and loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Born on October 12, 1957, in Blue Island, Illinois, Tom grew up in Calumet City and attended Thornwood High School in South Holland. Throughout his life, he followed many paths, from serving as an attorney and volunteer firefighter to becoming our family's dedicated historian. But to those of us who knew him best, he was simply Tom, with his own interests, traditions, stories, and a curiosity about the world around him.
Tom enjoyed life's adventures, whether cheering on his beloved Chicago Bears, exploring national parks, traveling, attending concerts, or spending time at the movies. He also found enjoyment closer to home, decorating his yard for the holidays, spending time with family and friends, and sharing everyday moments with his beloved dog, Buddy. These were all parts of the life he enjoyed and the memories we will carry with us.
One of Tom's greatest passions was discovering where our family came from. For more than three decades, he spent countless hours researching historical records, walking through old cemeteries, visiting ancestral lands, and following the stories of generations who came before us. His curiosity took him to places connected to our ancestors and helped uncover family connections and stories that might otherwise have been lost.
What began as Tom's personal interest in genealogy eventually grew into something much larger. His years of research and dedication helped inspire the creation of the Stovall Heritage Foundation, bringing our family together with a shared purpose of preserving and sharing our history for future generations.
Through this website, we want to remember more than Tom's discoveries and contributions. We want to celebrate the person he was, the life he lived, and the memories we shared. As we continue the work he began, we are also preserving something just as meaningful—Tom's own story.
Early Years & Growing Up
Early Years & Growing Up
Thomas Gary “Tom” Stovall was born on October 12, 1957, in Blue Island, Illinois, the third child of James Ralph and Betty Jane (Nonnweiler) Stovall. He grew up in Calumet City alongside his five siblings—Marty, Jim, Lillian, Troy, and Ann.
Growing up in the Stovall household meant being part of a large family filled with different personalities, shared experiences, and plenty of memories. Tom attended Thornwood High School in South Holland, Illinois.
Known affectionately as “Tuffy,” Tom carried that nickname throughout his life. His younger brother Troy remembers a hooked rug with the name “Tuffy” hanging on Tom's bedroom wall during his teenage years. Years later, his nieces and nephews would come to know him as “Uncle Tuff.”
Through family photographs, stories, and memories, we continue to piece together the early years of Tom's life and the experiences that helped shape the person he became.
Betty Jane Stovall holding her young son Tom, circa 1958.
Tom with his siblings, February 1963.
Tom with his siblings at Christmas, 1964.
Tom aboard a boat, August 1967.
Tom's school portrait, circa 1960s.
Fatherhood
Fatherhood
As Tom began building a life of his own, he became a father to two daughters, Danielle and Charla. Fatherhood brought new experiences, responsibilities, and memories as he watched his daughters grow from young children into adults.
Over the years, Tom shared many moments with Danielle and Charla, from everyday activities and family outings to special occasions and important milestones in their lives. The photographs from these years capture different stages of their lives together and the memories they created along the way.
As his daughters grew older and began building lives of their own, Tom's role as their father remained an important part of his story.
Tom with his daughters, Charla and Danielle.
Tom and Danielle at Space Camp, 1996.
Tom and Danielle enjoying time together.
Tom with young Charla at the playground.
Tom with Charla on her wedding day.
A Proud Grandpa
A Proud Grandpa
Becoming a grandfather brought a new chapter to Tom's family life. His grandson Dylan was given the middle name Thomas in honor of his grandfather, creating a special connection between generations.
From holding Dylan as a newborn to watching him grow into a young man, Tom enjoyed spending time together and watching him grow. Tom never forgot Dylan's birthday or Christmas, and he was always generous in helping make sure Dylan received the gifts he had wished for.
Through Dylan, Tom's name and a part of his family's story will continue into the next generation.
Tom with his grandson Dylan as a baby.
Dylan enjoying a ride on Grandpa's shoulders.
Tom and Dylan spending time together.
A Career and a Commitment to Helping Others
A Career and a Commitment to Helping Others
Throughout his life, Tom found different ways to help others, both through his professional career and his involvement in the community.
Tom began his legal career working to protect the interests of children involved in legal proceedings. In this role, he helped ensure that children's needs and well-being were considered during difficult situations. He later continued his legal career as an attorney with the Cook County Public Defender's Office in Illinois, representing individuals who needed legal assistance.
Tom also served as a volunteer firefighter in Lake Dalecarlia, Indiana. Through his involvement with the local fire department, he gave his time to serving the community and helping neighbors when they needed assistance.
Outside of his professional and volunteer work, Tom was someone family and friends could turn to for help. Whether offering advice, lending a hand, or sharing his knowledge, he was willing to help those around him.
His legal career, volunteer service, and everyday acts of kindness are all part of how we remember him.
Tom celebrating his graduation from law school.
Tom waving from a Lake Dalecarlia fire truck at parade.
Traveling and Exploring
Traveling and Exploring
Tom enjoyed traveling and exploring new places, especially America's national parks. He had an ambitious goal of visiting every national park in the United States. One of his adventures was a solo road trip to several national parks, using his truck for camping along the way.
Traveling was also something Tom enjoyed sharing with family. In 2025, he visited Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Parks with his brother Troy, sister-in-law Dawn, and sister Ann. Yellowstone was a destination he experienced more than once, having also visited the park with Barb.
Tom and Ann also visited Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio.
Whether traveling on his own or with family, Tom enjoyed discovering new places, experiencing the beauty of the outdoors, and adding another national park to his growing list. These adventures became an important part of his life and created lasting memories along the way.
Tom's Favorite Pastimes
Tom's Favorite Pastimes
When Tom wasn't researching family history or relaxing in front of the television, he enjoyed cheering on the Chicago Bears, going to the movies, and attending concerts. These interests brought him enjoyment throughout his life and provided opportunities to spend time with family.
Tom shaking hands with Chicago Bears legend Dick Butkus.
Tom's Movie Theater Favorites
Tom enjoying his love of live music.
A True Chicago Bears Fan
A True Chicago Bears Fan
If there was one thing everyone knew about Tom, it was his love for the Chicago Bears. He proudly showed his team spirit with Bears hats, jackets, and T-shirts. His enthusiasm went beyond watching games on television. He enjoyed attending Bears games at Soldier Field and even took his sister Ann to experience a game with him. Tom also had the opportunity to meet legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus, a moment captured in a photograph.
Even his Christmas decorations reflected his loyalty to the team, including an inflatable Santa wearing a Chicago Bears shirt! Through winning seasons and disappointing ones, Tom remained a devoted Bears fan.
Movies and Popcorn
Movies and Popcorn
Tom loved going to the movies, and over the last three years, he and his sister Ann made it a regular tradition to catch a movie together, usually about once a month. It was a chance to spend time together, enjoy a good movie, and occasionally discover one that wasn't quite as good as they had hoped!
Of course, no trip to the theater was complete without Tom's large popcorn. He always managed to finish the entire bucket himself, sometimes eating nearly all of it before the movie had barely begun! Every so often, he would treat himself to a box of Milk Duds, too.
What started as regular movie outings became a special part of their time together. Looking back, it wasn't always the movies themselves that mattered most, but the afternoons spent together and the memories made along the way.
Music and Concerts
Music and Concerts
Tom enjoyed listening to music and attending live concerts. Among his favorite bands were the Doobie Brothers and the Rolling Stones, although his musical interests extended beyond classic rock. He also enjoyed sharing concerts with Barb, including a Lady Gaga concert.
Tom and his sister Ann attended a Doobie Brothers and Foreigner concerts. Ann bought him a Foreigner “Juke Box Hero” T-shirt because the song reminded her of him. It was another memorable outing they shared and one more story to remember him by.
Spirit and Contagious Smile
Spirit and Contagious Smile
Tom had a contagious smile and a unique sense of humor. He enjoyed teasing people, especially family members, and it was often his way of showing affection. Whether sticking out his tongue for a photograph or sneaking two fingers behind someone's head to give them bunny ears, Tom rarely missed an opportunity for a little mischief.
His playful side often came through during family celebrations, where he found ways to make people laugh. From joking around with his siblings to surprising someone with an unexpected gesture of affection, Tom had his own way of showing how much family meant to him.
Tom also enjoyed decorating his yard for Christmas, especially with colorful inflatables, or “blowups.” His decorations often reflected his personality, interests, and the people and pets who were important to him.
In 2026, Tom purchased two Christmas decorations inspired by his beloved dog, Buddy. One was a dog-shaped blow mold that resembled Buddy, while the other was an inflatable Santa riding a dog that looked like him. To Tom, the Santa and dog represented himself and Buddy together.
From his playful teasing and funny photographs to his Christmas decorations, Tom had his own way of bringing humor and personality into everyday moments.
Even Tom wasn't safe from a pair of bunny ears!
Tom showing brother Troy a little affection on his wedding day, 1995.
Tom, Ann, and Troy catching a wave together!
Christmas Traditions
Christmas Traditions
Tom enjoyed Christmas and had his own way of making the season fun. When his daughters, nieces, and nephews were young, he dressed up as Santa Claus, creating special holiday memories for the children.
He also enjoyed decorating his yard for Christmas, especially with colorful inflatables, or “blowups.” His decorations often reflected his personality and interests, including his love for the Chicago Bears and his dogs.
In 2026, Tom purchased two Christmas decorations inspired by his beloved dog, Buddy. One was a dog-shaped blow mold that resembled Buddy, while the other was an inflatable Santa riding a dog that looked like him. To Tom, the Santa and dog represented himself and Buddy together.
Whether dressing up as Santa or decorating his yard, Tom enjoyed adding his own personal touches to the Christmas season.
Tom showing his playful side as Santa Claus.
Tom bringing Christmas cheer to the family.
Tom's Christmas inflatables.
A Lifelong Love of Dogs
A Lifelong Love of Dogs
Tom loved dogs and had canine companions for much of his life. They were an important part of his everyday routine, and he enjoyed the companionship and personalities each one brought into his home.
Among the dogs he cared for were Copper, whose care he shared with Barb, and Buddy, who became a special companion in his later years. Buddy was more than just a pet to Tom; he was part of his daily life and even inspired some of his holiday decorations.
In 2026, Tom purchased two Christmas decorations that reminded him of Buddy. One was a dog-shaped blow mold that resembled him, and the other was an inflatable Santa riding a dog that looked like Buddy. To Tom, the Santa and dog represented the two of them together.
These little touches reflected Tom's affection for his dogs and the special place they held in his life.
Tom with Copper
A kiss from Buddy
Tom relaxing with Buddy
The Family Historian
The Family Historian
For more than three decades, Tom had a passion for uncovering our family's history. Long before genealogy websites made historical records easier to find, he was researching family connections, gathering documents, tracing ancestors, and piecing together stories from generations past.
Tom's research took him far beyond names and dates on a family tree. He traveled to places where our ancestors once lived, visited cemeteries where family members were buried, and explored historical records that helped bring their stories to life. Much of his research centered on our family's roots in Franklin County, Tennessee, and Jackson County, Alabama.
Over the years, Tom gathered an extensive collection of genealogical records, photographs, family trees, books, and historical documents. He carefully preserved his findings in binders and other materials, creating a valuable collection of our family's history.
Our family's interest in preserving its past extends back generations. In 1974, William “Bill” Wayne Martin, brother of our grandmother Hester Lillian (Martin) Stovall, compiled a Martin family genealogy and history. Although we don't yet know what first sparked Tom's interest in genealogy, this earlier family research is another part of the history we're continuing to explore.
In recent years, Tom, Troy, and Ann shared genealogy research trips to places connected to our family's past. Together, they explored historic cemeteries, visited small towns, and searched for locations where generations of our ancestors once lived. These journeys allowed them to walk in the footsteps of earlier generations while creating new family memories of their own.
Tom also entrusted Ann with photographs, binders, and books containing years of his research. She is still working through these materials, discovering the information and stories he collected.
Tom's dedication to genealogy helped inspire the creation of the Stovall Heritage Foundation. What began as his personal pursuit of family history grew into a family effort to preserve photographs, documents, stories, and the places connected to our ancestors.
Although Tom is no longer here to continue the search with us, the work he began will carry on. His research provides a foundation for future discoveries, and through the Stovall Heritage Foundation, we hope to preserve and share the history he spent so many years uncovering.
Tom at his grandfather's former home, 2008.
Tom, Troy, and Ann at the old Martin family barn.
Memories and Legacy
Memories and Legacy
Tom's life was filled with experiences, interests, and relationships that each of us will remember in our own way. Whether through family gatherings, shared vacations, everyday conversations, or the little things that made us laugh, he leaves behind memories that are part of our family's story.
As we continue gathering photographs and stories from family members, we hope this page will grow into a collection of memories that captures Tom's life from different perspectives. His daughters, grandson, siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends all have their own stories to share.
The six Stovall siblings together.”
Continuing Tom's Work
Continuing Tom's Work
As a founding board member and family historian of the Stovall Heritage Foundation, Tom helped shape our mission to preserve and share our family's history. His decades of genealogical research provided the foundation for much of the work we are continuing today.
Although Tom did not have the opportunity to see all of our plans become reality, his contributions will remain an important part of the foundation's story.
We will continue preserving the documents, photographs, and family histories he collected, building upon his research and sharing new discoveries with future generations.
Tom spent much of his life helping us discover the stories of those who came before us. Now, through this website and the Stovall Heritage Foundation, we have the opportunity to preserve and share his story, too.
Tom exploring the historic Martin barn.
Tom documenting Aunt Aleen Martin's grave.
Tom spent years preserving our family's memories. Now it's our turn to preserve his.
Tom spent years preserving our family's memories. Now it's our turn to preserve his.
Tom's story continues through the photographs, stories, and memories shared by those who knew him. We invite family and friends to help us remember Tom by sharing a favorite memory or photograph.
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