Thomas Edward "Bingo" Bigham, 62, of Elkville,  passed away at 11:05 p.m., Friday, August 1, 2008 at Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin.
Thomas had worked in the coal mines.  He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Du Quoin and was a member of the UMWA and Knights of Columbus.
He was born August 25, 1945 at Pinckneyville, the son of Edward and Bridget (Bruns) Bigham.
He married Carla Yates on May 23, 1997 in Elkville, and she survives.
He is survived by his wife of Elkville, five children - Margaret "Micki" Mercer and husband Charles of Sesser, Angela Haggard and husband Donald of Tamaroa, Lori Kelly and husband Kevin of Pinckneyville, Mark Lipe and wife Crystal of Elkville and Gregory Lipe and wife Amber of Elkville, five brothers - Rodger Bigham of Louisiana, Steve Bigham of Pinckneyville, David Bigham of San Diego, Calif., Bob Bigham of Fairview Heights, and Jim Bigham of Belleville, one sister - Bridget Moody of Pinckneyville, twelve grandchildren - Joshua George, Zackery Kelly, Justyna George, Jacob George, Erynn Kelly, Marenna Haggard, Levi Kelly, Andrew Kelly, Braydon Haggard, Illyana Lipe, Gavin Lipe, and Guinevere Lipe, and one great grandson on the way, Hunter Giacone, and his companion Lolly the dog, and many other friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and first wife, Carole Bigham.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, August 7, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Du Quoin with Msgr. Harry Jerome and Fr. Trevor Murry officiating.
Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Burial will be in the Elkville Cemetery at Elkville.
Friends may make memorials to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.

