Though Tom was stubborn and tough as a buffalo hide, he had the kindest heart and was never afraid to express his love. He was generous to a fault, with both money and time. In fact, we would say his generosity was perhaps one of his most defining characteristics throughout his life. 

Tom was born on August 18, 1951 in Sterling, the son of Jack R. and Barbara J. (Craig) Cheshier. He served in the Illinois Army National Guard. He married Marcia Searing on November 14, 1987, though they were together far longer, since the early 70s.

He began his working career at the age of 12 for Chapman Brothers in Sterling as a welder and later as a foreman. He then went to work as the assistant manager of the Octopus Car Wash in Sterling, later purchasing the business and running it for over 40 years. From riding in rodeos and getting in bar fights to being a loving husband, adoring dad, and owning a thriving business, Tom was as tender as he was tough. 

Those that were lucky enough to really know him knew how much he loved his family, his animals, nature, old John Wayne movies, his tractors and toys, and heading off to county fairs and flea markets when he had a chance. They also knew his creative and hard-working spirit. He loved giving gifts to everyone he knew. He often put in long hours at his business and was a fair boss to his cherished employees. And he always knew how to have fun in any situation.

He is already missed by so many.

---

"...And when great souls die,
after a period peace blooms,
slowly and always
irregularly. Spaces fill
with a kind of
soothing electric vibration.
Our senses, restored, never
to be the same, whisper to us.
They existed. They existed.
We can be. Be and be
better. For they existed."
- Maya Angelou, "Where Great Trees Fall"