Thomas Eugene Davidage, age 86, of Worden, IL passed away on Sunday October 25, 2026.
He was born on December 10, 1939, in Springfield, IL to Richard Aurther Davidage and Mercedes Julia (Knox) Davidage. He grew up in Springfield, IL with his two older brothers, Richard (Red) B. (Evelyn) Davidage and Loren K. Florence) Davidage.
Tom graduated from Feitshans High School, Springfield, IL in 1958. A year after graduating from high school he joined the Untied States Navy and served four years, including one year on Mid-Way, Island in the South Pacific.
In 1962, he married Joyce Lynn (Stinnett) Davidage and they had two children, Scott T. and Ned A. Davidage.
In 1974, he married Claudia Marie (Noble) Davidage and they have been married for 54 years.
Tom worked all his life as a mechanic and worked on everything from airplanes to motorcycles. He enjoyed hard work and problem solving. He designed many tools that helped in repairing mechanical machines.
After retirement, he and his wife Claudia spent most of their time working on a house they built on some acreages outside Worden, IL. He loved being in the woods, fishing, riding his motorcycle, spending time with his family and walking with his dogs in the woods. He held his friends dear, especially his life long friend, Jim Stolleis who recently passed away.
He enjoyed hosting family gatherings at his home. A high point of such gatherings was feeding and catching the catfish that he trained for years to come when called, some of which would take food from his hand.
With failing health, he spent the last few years living in the town of Worden, IL. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Richard B. (Evelyn) Davidage. He is survived by his wife Claudia, his two sons Scott and Ned and two grandsons Garrett (Dana) Davidage and Clayton (Alivia) Davidage and two great grand children Walker Davidage and Adaline Davidage. His brother Loren (Florence) Davidage. He is also survived by sisters- in-law, Jane Anne (John)
Peterson; Julia L. Bushrow; Mischa Tuell and brothers- in- law Tom (Cindi) Noble; William (Kathy) Noble and Hugh Noble. There are also many nieces and nephews who adore him on both sides of the family.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. at Gent Funeral Home, with the funeral to start at 1:00 pm. Following the funeral, Tom will be laid to rest at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s memory to the Worden Community Park, Worden Volunteer Fire Department, Worden Library or 5A’s-Alton Area Animal Aid Association.
The family is being served by Gent Funeral Home & Cremation Services at 2409 State Street Alton, IL 62002.