Thomas "Tom" B. Moore

Thomas “Tom” Broughton Moore, 84, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, February 26, 2025, at Swedish American Hospital (UW Madison of Rockford). Tom was born October 8, 1940, in Beloit, Wisconsin, to John and Grace (Rogers) Moore. He graduated in 1959 from Riverside High School in Riverside, California and soon after joined the United States Air Force. Tom was extremely proud to serve his country for 23 loyal years, retiring as a Staff Sergeant on February 1, 1981. After retiring from the military, Tom worked security at local facilities. It was because he enrolled at Rockford College, he met the love of his life over a math tutoring session. He married Bonnie L. Hutchinson on March 17, 1996, and has missed her every day since her passing in 2024. Tom cherished Bonnie immensely and took on many roles including her caregiver and even wound nurse. Tom loved his three children and cherished all the phone calls, visits, and little moments over the years. He had many talents and hobbies including fishing, telling stories, acquiring many collections including his extensive model plane collection and anything Star Trek. Tom also had a passion for drawing. He sketched as much as he could and loved showing off his art and gifting it to others. He had a tradition of drawing “Dr. Fred” at every medical facility he visited that had a whiteboard. He was very social, and to put it simply – he loved people and never met a stranger. His love for others led to him becoming an instructor and council member with the Boy Scouts. Tom had a big heart for others and volunteered as often as he could with the V.A., serving meals and helping others in need. He also enjoyed his many clubs. Tom was an active member of American Legion Post 1207, a Master Mason with Masonic Lodge No 75 and a Life Member of Vietnam Veterans of America. Tom particularly had a great fascination with Ham radio. He was a member of the ARRL, as well as a Ham Radio SATERN Member responding during disaster situations. It is no surprise to those who knew him that he had a room in his home dedicated to his radio equipment. Tom and Bonnie made many long-lasting friendships via their Ham radios and they both even received cards in the mail from time to time from Ham radio friends from across the world. To keep him company, Tom had his faithful furry friends by his side. He truly adored his dogs over the years. Above all else, Tom’s main passion was Jesus. From 1971-1972 Tom was an Assembly of God Pentecostal Group Leader in Korat, Thailand, where he was stationed with the military. He was ordained as a minister in 2005 and loved sharing the Word of God with anyone and everyone, even handing out small Jesus figurines and pens with scripture. Tom was a member of Rockford First Church of the Nazarene. In his own words: “Not preaching, just telling people about God’s love.”

He is survived by his children, Tim (Felicia) Campbell of Robertsdale, AL, Jeanette (Rich) Remington of Richland, Washington and Stephen (Sandy) Campbell of Mankato, Minnesota; grandchildren, Ashley Campbell, Caroline Campbell, Austin (Kayla) Remington, Trent Remington, Michael (Kristi) Campbell, Ben Campbell, Alex (Danielle) Campbell and great-granddaughters: Ember Rose Remington and Eden Grace Campbell; brothers, Richard (Judy) Moore of Texas, and Jeffrey Moore of Roscoe, Illinois; brother-in-law, Michael (Tabitha) Hutchinson; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; cousin-in-law, Candy (Will) Shenberger who was Tom’s rock this past year.

In Tom’s own words: “Old pilots never die; they just get a new pair of wings.” Tom has gained his wings and has been reunited with his wife, and the love of his life, Bonnie; stepson, Clinton Taflinger; parents, John and Grace; father and mother-in-law, Clyde and Betty Hutchinson; brothers, Dennis Moore and John Moore and his loyal dogs.

The family of Tom would like to extend a warm thank you to Amada Senior Care, as well as all the caregivers that have been there for Tom along the way. We cannot possibly express the comfort you have brought us in challenging times, and we will be forever grateful to all of you.

A celebration of life service is scheduled to take place Friday, June 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park, Illinois 61115, with Pastor Rachel Smith and Pastor Zach Simmonds conducting services.