Obituary of Thomas Richard Buwa

Thomas R. Buwa, 59, of Niles, passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home on Sunday, October 10, 2021. Thomas, or “Buwa” as he was known by his friends, was born on January 25, 1962, to the late Richard and Lillian (Davis) Buwa in Elkhart, Indiana. Buwa was a handyman and jack of all trades. He loved watching NASCAR, University of Michigan and Steelers football, singing karaoke, drinking a beer and smoking a doobie with his friends, traveling, and attending Bike Week in Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Lillian Buwa; and his former wife, Vicki Buwa. Buwa is survived by his longtime companion, Tracy Alvord of Niles; children, Tommy (Wendie) Huss of Niles, Trelee Huss of Niles, and Tonya (Thomas) Beard of South Bend; grandchildren, Treg Huss of Niles, Alex (Grace Moore) Huss of Niles, Cody (Kara) Okonski of Niles, Shyle Short of Niles, Kaden Santana of Niles, Rickey Beard of Mishawaka, Gabriel Beard of South Bend, and Noah Beard of South Bend; great-grandchildren, Mia, Kyson, Kayden, Karson, and a little girl on the way; siblings, Steve (Teresa) Erwin of Gaylord, Michigan, William (Joyce Merritt) Erwin of Edgewater, Florida, Robin Derrick, Troy Erwin of Gaylord, Michigan, Connie (Michael Jasper) Flanagan of Niles; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and close friends. On Saturday, October 16, 2021, a time of visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home in Niles. On Sunday, October 17th the family will be holding a get-together at the FOP Lodge in Niles from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Guests are asked to bring a dish to pass and a cash bar will be available.