Tom Daugherty

Tom Daugherty, 71, of Hutsonville, IL, passed away on April 6, 2024, at The Waters of Sullivan in Sullivan, IN. Born on December 23, 1952, Tom's life was a testament to the joy of living authentically and embracing every moment with enthusiasm. A 1971 graduate of Hutsonville High School, he started operating bulldozers for Annapolis Grain in 1975, beginning a lifelong career that saw him contribute to the construction of numerous ponds and golf courses throughout the area. In so doing, he left behind a tangible legacy that mirrors his robust character.

Tom's zest for life was evident in his diverse interests. Fishing was more than a pastime; it was an extension of his soul, with countless hours spent at local ponds and on the Wabash River, surrounded by the tranquility of nature. An ardent hunter, he would hunt just about anything that moved. His self-sufficiency was a point of pride, and his culinary adventures extended to the game he brought home, including a bear from a Canadian expedition, the pelt of which stood as a trophy of his exploits. Tom's farm was another source of pride, where he cultivated soybeans but strategically forwent planting corn, as it would grow too tall for him to be able to see (and shoot) incoming coyotes! His green thumb extended to everything from flowers to peanut plants, showcasing his ability to nurture growth in all its forms.

Standing tall, Tom faced life head-on with an unwavering optimism and courage that inspired everyone he met. His humor was as vast as his personality, a unique blend of wit and a touch of the peculiar, always ready to rise to a challenge or share a laugh with his cherished friends. They could speak to the man's immense appetite for both food and life. Tom Daugherty's absence will undoubtedly leave a void in the fabric of the lives of his family and friends. Still, his stories, his humor, and the echoes of his vibrant spirit will continue to resonate with all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

He is survived by his siblings & their spouses, Peggy & Dee Everingham, John & Peggy Daugherty, and Barbara Johnson, as well as several nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul E. and Patricia Ann (Crouch) Daugherty, and by his brother, Steve Daugherty.

It was Tom's wish to be cremated without public services, and the Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union is in charge of these arrangements.