Thomas R. Buban

GODLEY—Thomas R. Buban, 85, of Godley, passed away Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026 at Lightways Inpatient Hospice in Joliet.
Born March 30, 1941, in Chicago, Thomas Richard was the son of Thomas and Anne (Hajcak) Buban. He moved with his family from Chicago to Godley at an early age, attended Saint Rose Parochial School, and graduated from Joliet Catholic High School with the class of 1959. Following high school, Tom attended Winona State University in Minnesota before entering the United States Marine Corps. He proudly served from June 1961 until his honorable discharge in June 1964.
On July 13, 1968, Tom married Linnea Hudziak during a Mass celebrated by Father Burns at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Braidwood. Together, Tom and Linnea made their home in Godley, where they raised their family and shared more than 56 years of marriage.
A devoted Catholic, Tom was formerly a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Braidwood and was currently a member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Coal City, where he enjoyed serving at Mass.
Following his service in the Marines, Tom began a career with United Parcel Service. Starting as a delivery driver, he worked his way into management before taking an early retirement. He later worked for the Godley Park District and was always willing to lend his skills as a handyman to friends and neighbors. Tom also served his community as Mayor of Godley.
Farming remained an important part of Tom’s life for nearly all of his years. In more recent years, he devoted much of himself to caring for his wife, Linnea, a role he took on with steadfast love and dedication.
Tom was a hardworking, straightforward man who knew what he liked and was rarely persuaded otherwise. He had a wonderful sense of humor, a willingness to help those around him, and above all, a deep love for his family. He will be remembered for the life he built, the people he helped, and the family he loved.
Survivors include his children, Lisa (Steve) Pitts, of Wilmington and Tom Buban, of Chicago; grandchildren: Devin Pitts and Abby Pitts; nephews: John and Michael Slanicky and niece, Rosanne Whyte.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Linnea on March 30, 2024 and his sister, Theresa Slanicky.
The family will receive friends for a visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 N. Broadway (one block north of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026 from 4 p.m. until time of time of memory sharing and recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:30 p.m.
Funeral services will follow Friday morning, Aug. 21, 2026 at 11 a.m. in Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 215 S. Kankakee St. in Coal City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Josh Miller presiding and Deacon William Dunn assisting. A memorial luncheon will be provided in the Berst Hall of Assumption Parish at the conclusion of the Mass, and burial with full military honors will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood at 2:30 p.m. Tom will be laid to rest with his late wife, Linnea.
Preferred memorials may be made as Masses in Tom’s memory or to Lightways Hospice, 250 Waterstone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431.
Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Tom’s memorial page online through social media.
Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory.