Thomas Michael Doman, age 83, of Edwardsville, IL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at his home in Edwardsville. He was born on August 7, 1942, in Alton Illinois. One of 11 children, Tom was the son of the late Lewis and Clara (Johnson) Doman, and was predeceased by all of his siblings: Gerry, Shirley, Lew, Katherine, Marjorie, Connie, Patricia, Judy, David, and Roger. He also tragically lost his son Mark J. Doman. He is fondly remembered by nephews Gregory Acker (Brenda), Michael Duffield, Matt (Lisa) and Michael (Tara) Doman, niece Vicky Quigley (John), sisters-in-law Virginia Carlson (David) and Vicki Doman (Roger), ex-wife and lifelong friend Patty Arey, a host of grand-nieces and nephews he treasured, and the many colleagues, friends and neighbors he charmed with interesting conversation, a well-told groaner, or a thoughtful remembrance.

Tom was a loving and generous person, and a beloved brother, father, uncle, and friend. His relationship with his nearest brothers David and Roger couldn’t have been any closer (they started out sleeping three to a bed in the Doman house, before they wound up at the Illinois Soldiers & Sailors Children’s Home), and Tom took care of many of his sisters as they aged, sitting by the bedside chatting or reading to them, holding their hands. He was close with his son, and they rode bicycles together frequently on long courses, eating together, playing games together. As an uncle, he was an inspiration in many ways: a great conversationalist, exercise partner, avid reader, an outstanding actor, and a dedicated writer.

He stayed in close touch over many years with his friends from the theater world as well as the law offices where he worked, and enjoyed many visits with family and friends around the country. Tom also appreciated and celebrated the people we often ignore in our rush to “get to the next thing.”  He always made time to inquire “how are you doing?” or to share a joke with cashiers, desk attendants, and other noble service people, and would not infrequently invite them to lunch.

Tom’s breadth of knowledge, coupled with his brilliant use of language and his sense of humor, filled his personal and professional life with excitement—just being around him meant being on your toes and ready to riposte. Doman family gatherings often featured good-natured battles of wits and puns, with deep devotion and love simmering beneath the surface. Tom was the theatrical ringleader, and made sure no one was left out of the fun.

Tom graced many stages and wrote dozens of plays and short stories for professionals as well as a remarkable series of holiday plays designed for family amusement/embarrassment. He held a Bachelor’s Degree from Bradley University, and graduate degrees from Southern Illinois—Carbondale (MA and Doctor of Philosophy in Theater). As a SAG-AFTRA and AEA union member, Tom performed in a wide range of productions in many places around the country, including stage, film, and industrial and instructional work. His most recent play—a one-act for 8 readers—was performed online the day before his passing.

A lifelong exercise fanatic, Tom ran, biked, and later swam, and walked to maintain his health and to enjoy the social connections with fellow athletes. A special thank you the Edwardsville Y and the staff and members—you were a very important part of Tom’s life!

Tom’s wishes after his death were, in part: “If people need to do anything for their own emotional well-being, fine, as long as they know what I want is for everybody to be as comfortable and as well as possible. Nothing for the social form of it.  I really want people to enjoy their own lives as much as they can with what time they have left. Family and close friends are welcome to gather on the occasion. . .” His ashes will be spread where he and Mark used to bicycle together. Small gatherings of loved ones will occur in Edwardsville, Colorado, Chicago, and Louisville.

Photos of Tom may be viewed here:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1QoHDzFAZCpEj0u8HDsOQpZ8PGZgZ7GEP/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=114208865894176948819&rtpof=true&sd=true

In lieu of charitable donations, we think Tom would encourage you to see some live theater, read a play together with friends and family (or heaven forbid, write one yourself!), watch a great old movie, get some exercise, tell a joke, play a game together, talk about something you’re passionate about with a close friend or two.

Here’s a game Tom invented for you to try (works great on long car rides): it’s called Robert Fulton. You start by saying “Robert Fulton,” and then the next person has to name a famous person whose first name starts with the last name’s initial (So, “F”—maybe Frank Sinatra, or Faye Dunaway). The next person starts their next famous person with the last initial of that person (S or D for the above examples), and so on. There are some further complicating rules (Tom loved changing the game to make it more interesting): Double letters: “Mickey Mantle,” e.g., means the rest of the game is all double Ms; a reversal of intials (“Frank Sinatra, Sally Field”) means the rest of the game has to alternate FS, SF . . . usually spelling a quick end to the game. But you can always start a new one! And if the initial “T” comes up, remember Tom Doman.

Condolences may be shared online at weberfuneralhome.com