Richard "Tommy" Durgom II

Service Details

A memorial service celebrating Tommy’s life will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on his 74^th birthday, Friday, June 14, 2024 at 7:00 pm. Visitation will be held in the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 – 7:00 pm.

Also, please remember to come to Tommy’s annual birthday bash on Saturday, June 15th, at Dickie’s beginning at 4:00 pm.

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Tommy was born on June 14^th, 1950 in Denver, Colorado to Richard Thomas Durgom and Mary Mills Durgom.  In 1951 the family moved to Kansas City, Missouri.  In 1955, Interpace Concrete and Pipe opened a branch in Mexico and the family moved to Mexico City.  Tommy attended the bilingual American International School where he became fluent in Spanish and English.  He excelled at math and sports and found his love for baseball while playing with Las Aguilas Mexico City Little League Team.  He was even featured in a book about remarkable child athletes.  His athletic achievements continued throughout his childhood and into his college years.  In 1965, the family left Mexico and settled in Rockton, Illinois where Durgom Concrete Pipe was headquartered.  There Tommy attended Hononegah High School where he was class president, homecoming king and prom king his senior year.  He was also an accomplished athlete in golf, football and went to State Tournaments for wrestling.  After graduating, Tommy continued his education and athletic career at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin.  He majored in Physical Education with the hopes of becoming a high school coach.  After graduating, Tommy was approached by American Motors Corp. to work as an Industrial Engineer.  He traveled the United States to automotive plants improving their methods and production for several years until he left to open The Chateau Restaurant in Kenosha.  Following, he opened the legendary P.T.’s Lounge in Kenosha.  During this time, he also coached Little League baseball and football, where he led several teams to League Championships.  He left a lasting impression on many young men whom he mentored and was a father figure to many people throughout his life.  Tommy left the bar business in 1993 and went on to sell cars, broker mortgages and other business ventures.  He found a “home” when he bought Dickie’s Bar from his dear friend in 2006, a thriving business that has had a positive impact on the community.

After college, Tommy was married to his first wife, Debbie, for a few years.  He then married Adell Gray and had one son, Richard “Tom” Durgom III in 1981.  They eventually divorced and Tommy did not marry again.

Tommy has spent the rest of his career caring for others and giving back to the community.  He is well known for his generosity both towards local charities as well as those in need.  He always took the time to listen and help a friend in any way he could.  He will be remembered for his warm, gregarious, engaging personality. Every person was made to feel special and important.  Tommy was a memorable person, with a huge personality and an even bigger heart.  He was never short of friends and welcomed many of them into his extended family.  Tommy will be deeply missed.

Tommy is survived by his two sisters, Irene Bruner (Rod) and Christine Tanner (Ken); two nephews, Jonathan and Jordan Bruner; son & daughter-in-law, Tom and Kizzie Durgom; and grandsons, Elijah and Ezra Durgom.  He is also survived by his large family of loving friends at Dickie’s.

A memorial service celebrating Tommy’s life will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on his 74^th birthday, Friday, June 14, 2024 at 7:00 pm. Visitation will be held in the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. Also, please remember to come to Tommy’s annual birthday bash on Saturday, June 15th, at Dickie’s beginning at 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, Tommy was passionate about helping out his good friend, Danielle Turner-Horenziak, with her current battle with cancer. Thus, contributions may be made to “Dickie’s Bar” in which all donations will be forwarded on to Danielle.