Thomas "Tom" Crenshaw

Thomas D. “Tommy” Crenshaw passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home on the afternoon of October 31, 2026.

Tommy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, professor, mentor, friend, and follower of Jesus Christ. He loved people deeply and lived a life characterized by faith, service, and encouragement of others.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Connie (Pinkston) Crenshaw; his son, Ben Crenshaw (Joy); his daughter, Jenny Merrick; seven grandchildren, Hannah (Crenshaw) Johnson (Jake), Laney Merrick, Nathan Crenshaw, Addie Merrick, Sam Crenshaw, Will Merrick, and Caitlyn Crenshaw; and his great-grandson, Maverick Johnson. He loves each of you immensely and is extraordinarily proud of the persons you have become.

Tommy was born on December 31, 1952, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, and grew up nearby in Newbern, surrounded by family and friends. He was the middle child of Billy Jo and Betty (Via) Crenshaw and grew up alongside his siblings, Kathy Latham, Randall Crenshaw, Mark Crenshaw, and Joe Crenshaw. He graduated from Newbern High School in 1970. It was in Newbern that Tommy learned the importance of hard work, the value of an education, and, most importantly, who Jesus was - a faith that would shape the rest of his life.

In the fall of 1971, while attending the University of Tennessee at Martin, Tommy met Connie on a blind date. That date began with a partnership that would span more than five decades. They married and built a life together rooted in love, faith, family, friendship, and service to others.

After earning his bachelor's degree in animal science from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 1974, Tommy and Connie moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. There, he earned his master’s and Ph.D. degrees in swine nutrition at the University of Nebraska, completing his Ph.D. in 1980. Nebraska was also where Tommy and Connie began their family.

In 1980, they moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where Tommy began what would become a 46-year career as a professor in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His primary research focused on animal nutrition, and throughout his career he taught, mentored, and worked alongside generations of students and colleagues.

For Tommy, however, his work was always about more than research, degrees, or professional accomplishments. It was about people.

He loved his family, students, colleagues, and his church family. He was always genuinely glad to see someone or hear from an old friend, even when years had passed since they had last spoken. Tommy had a special way of seeing people. He encouraged them, believed in them, and often saw opportunity and hope where others could not.

The boundaries between Tommy’s professional and personal lives frequently disappeared as students became colleagues, colleagues became friends, and friendships endured for decades. He gave generously his time, knowledge, encouragement, and himself. He was always willing to serve others, to share his life with them, and, most importantly, to share the hope he had in Jesus Christ.

Tommy is also survived by his brothers, Randall (Vicki) Crenshaw, Mark (Janet) Crenshaw, and Joe (Jan-Marie) Crenshaw; and his sister-in-law Jeanie (Dent) Yarbro and brothers-in-law Jack (Margaret) Ricketts and Tommye Latham. He was preceded in death by his parents, Billy Jo and Betty Crenshaw; his sister, Kathy Latham; and his sister-in-law, Joan Bergeron.

Tommy leaves behind an extraordinary number of people whose lives are better because he took the time to know them, encourage them, teach them, laugh with them, serve them, and love them. His family will miss him beyond words, but they are grateful for the life he lived, the faith he shared, and the example he leaves behind.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the DeForest Windsor Fire & EMS teams and the Dane County Sheriff’s teams for the kind and compassionate care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made to Advent Conspiracy at Blackhawk Church, a ministry that reflects Tommy’s desire to serve others and share Christ’s love. https://blackhawkchurch.onlinegiving.org/donate/guest_donate?&fund=Tom+Crenshaw+Memorial+-+Advent+Conspiracy&lf=1#!/

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, November 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Blackhawk Church, 9620 Brader Way, Middleton. A visitation will be held on Monday at the church from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. A light reception will be held at the church following the service.