Thomas Pilkins, age 63, of St. John, Indiana, passed away on November 20, 2025. Tom was a man whose presence made every room warmer and whose kindness left a lasting mark on all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Roxanne Keilman, who was his steadfast partner and closest companion. He leaves behind his daughters, Gina (Kertis) Grimmer and Isabella Pilkins, as well as his devoted sister, Kathy Sullivan.

Tom’s love extended far beyond the boundaries of immediate family. He was blessed with a wonderful bonus family - daughters Renee (Greg) Tiemens, and Rachel Zlamal, as well as sons Randy (Tamra) Luketich and Jeffrey (Sarah) Keilman - each of whom held a special place in his heart.

To his grandchildren, he was Papa Tom, a role he embraced with joy, humor, and boundless affection. He will be forever missed by Kate, Jimi, Lilli, Henry, and Evelyn, as well as his granddaughters, Tessa and Quinn, who brought immeasurable pride and happiness into his life. Thomas was also a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews, and a friend to all he met; someone who could lift spirits with a smile and make strangers feel like family.

 

Tom was preceded in death by his sons, Richard and Edward Pilkins, his parents, Walter and Margaret (Shrader) Pilkins, his sister, Deborah Anderson and his niece, Kimberly Lewis.

Tom was raised in Sauk Village and graduated from Bloom Trail High School. Shortly thereafter, he joined his father and worked for Calumet Steel in Chicago Heights until the company closed its doors. He then joined the Walt’s Grocery Store family and worked his way up to Assistant Store Manager of their Dyer location. It was at this store about 17 years ago that he met the love of his life, Roxanne, who worked in the bakery department. Together they parented their blended family and welcomed their five grandchildren with open arms.

Tom loved to be outdoors, and fishing was a passion. He took his nephews and grandsons on their first fishing expeditions. In fact, on one of those fishing trips, his nephew caught a bullfrog instead of a fish. Any time the story was brought up, the two of them would get a good laugh about how great a teacher Tom was during that trip. He passed on his love of fishing to all of his nephews and grandsons.

Tom was also passionate about muscle cars and cherished his first car--a souped-up Chevy Nova.

Tom loved watching football on Sunday. While he was a devout Chicago Bears fan, he also loved Tom Brady. Thanksgivings were mostly held at his and Roxanne’s home where the families would come together for great food, good drink, and watching football all day.

In July of 2024 Tom started his battle with cancer. He fought it bravely, but in the end, while his head wanted to continue the fight, his body was not able to do so any longer. He died peacefully in his sleep on the morning of November 20, 2025.

Tom’s legacy is one of generosity, warmth, and genuine connection. Those who were fortunate enough to know him will carry his memory forward with gratitude and love.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Castle Hill Funeral Home: 1219 Sheffield Avenue, Dyer, Indiana 46311 with a visitation from 2-6 p.m. A service will be officiated at 5:00 p.m.