Thomas L. Bingaman

Thomas Lee Bingaman, known to family and friends as Tom, Tommy, Tommy Lee, TLB, and affectionately as “The Bone,” passed away on June 20, 2026, at the age of 58. A resident of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, Thomas was born on March 21, 1968.

Thomas is survived by his father, Terry Bingaman, and his sister, Teri Bingaman (Middleton). He was preceded in death by his mother, Rose Bingaman, and his brother, Douglas Bingaman.

Thomas spent his early years in Illinois, attending Harlem High School in Loves Park before moving to Decatur, where he graduated from Macon High School, known locally as “Corn Cob High School,” in 1986. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve as a Hospital Corpsman in Decatur, Illinois. During his service, he received specialty training in battle triage, developing skills that reflected his lifelong desire to care for others.

Committed to education and personal growth, Thomas earned a Bachelor of Science degree in History with a minor in Secondary Education from Rockford College in Rockford, Illinois, graduating in 1996.

Thomas was most recently employed by Home Depot, where he genuinely enjoyed his work and valued the friendships he built with coworkers and customers alike.

Those who knew Thomas will remember him for his gentle spirit, soft-spoken nature, and kind heart. He was guided by his Christian faith and found particular meaning in James 1:27, which calls believers to look after orphans and widows in their distress. Thomas sought to live out that calling by sponsoring a child through Compassion International and supporting independent Christian music artists. He made it a personal mission to help those he believed were overlooked, forgotten, or left behind by society.

Thomas also enjoyed spending time with friends around the gaming table. Whether playing board games or participating in poker nights—where he jokingly referred to himself as “donating” money to his friends—he treasured the fellowship and laughter those gatherings brought. In the game Risk, he was renowned for securing the purple islands and executing a steadfast defensive strategy that frustrated opponents and amused friends.

Though quiet in demeanor, Thomas made a lasting impact through his compassion, generosity, and unwavering concern for others. His life was a reminder that kindness does not need to be loud to be meaningful. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, coworkers, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.