Pawnee — Thomas Edward Dozier, 81, of Pawnee, Illinois, passed away on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Tom was born on Oct. 30, 1944, in Springfield, the son of Raymond E. and Wilma G. Delay Dozier. He married Karen Kaye Kagel on June 30, 1968, at Zion Lutheran Church in Peoria. Tom was preceded in death by his parents.

Tom grew up near New City and was the fourth generation of the Dozier family to live and work on the Centennial Farm, which has been in the Dozier family since 1833. He graduated from Glenwood High School in 1962. He earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural education from Illinois State University and a master's degree in agricultural economics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Tom was an active, longtime member of Sugar Creek United Methodist Church in Chatham. He was also involved in several civic and community organizations. Tom was a member of the Ansar Shrine and the Valley of Springfield Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. During his 57 years as a Mason, he was a member of several lodges, including the Mount Nebo Lodge No. 76 AF & AM in Carlinville from 1969 to 1971, Pawnee Lodge No. 675 AF & AM since 1971, and Virden Lodge No. 161 as an honorary member since 2014. He held many elected and appointed positions, including serving as master of the Pawnee Lodge No. 675 in 1991 and 1999. He also served as lodge chaplain since 2019. Tom joined the Zion Cemetery board as a trustee in 1994 and served as secretary and treasurer from 1999 until June 2026. He then served as a trustee until his death. He also served on the Pawnee School Board for six years. Tom enjoyed spending time with his family and was a Chicago Bears fan.

Tom is survived by his wife of 58 years, Karen Dozier, of Pawnee; one son, Nathan T. Dozier, of Gillespie; one daughter, Aimee K. (husband, Gary) Eby, of Pawnee; three grandchildren, Brandon (wife, Kristen) Eby, Morgan (husband, Tucker) Sullivan and Elizabeth Ann Dozier; two great-grandchildren, Brayden M. Eby and Amelia R. Sullivan; one sister, Shirley Rae (husband, Jim) Dudley, of Cape Fair, Missouri; and a niece, a nephew and several cousins.

Tom's family will meet friends from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, at Sugar Creek United Methodist Church in Chatham, with a Masonic service beginning at 6:30 p.m. An additional visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, at the church, with Rev. Paul Dinges officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Cemetery in Pawnee.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sugar Creek United Methodist Church, 1022 New City Road, Chatham, IL 62629, or to Shriners Children's St. Louis, 4400 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110.

Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is honored to serve the family of Tom Dozier. Online condolences may be shared at www.curryfh.com.