Visitation Information

Thomas Neugebauer, "Yogi"

Passed away on May 31, 2025

Thomas “Yogi” Neugebauer, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025, in Cedar Hill, Texas. He was 83 years old.

A lifelong resident of Calumet City, Illinois, Yogi was a proud graduate of St. Victor School and Thornton Fractional North High School. He devoted over four decades of his life to public service, including 30 years with the Calumet City Post Office and 13 years with the Calumet City Water Department. Known for his strong work ethic, big heart, and bigger personality, Yogi was a familiar and friendly face to so many across the community he loved.

Alongside his devoted wife Carmie (née Smith), Yogi was the owner and operator of the Rose and Crown Tavern, a local favorite where everyone knew his name—and he knew theirs. The bar was more than a business—it was a second home for so many, filled with stories, laughter, and the kind of friendships that stand the test of time.

In 2013, Yogi moved to Texas to be closer to his son, Tommy and daughter-in-law, Lydia, Neugebauer, where he spent the final 12 years of his life making new friends, enjoying the sunshine, and relishing quality time with family. Whether gathered around a kitchen table, in the stands at a ballgame, or just watching the world go by from the porch, Yogi made every moment count.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son Timothy Neugebauer, his parents Paul and Jane (née Flaherty), and his brother Donny Neugebauer.

Yogi is survived by his loving wife Carmie, his son Tommy (Lydia), his brother Ronald (Lynn), sister Paula (Claude) Henderson, niece Susan (Crawford), and nephews Todd (Tracy), Trey, Paul (Lauren), and Mark (Erica). He held a special pride in his nephews and delighted in watching them grow into the fine men they are today. His connection to them deepened in later years, creating memories that brought him true joy and peace.  Yogi was especially a grandfather figure to Trey, Paul, and Mark—offering not only wisdom and support, but unconditional love and the kind of steady presence that helped shape their lives.  

Yogi also shared a special bond with the men he considered his “like-sons”: Dewayne Gray, Sam Basile, John Andrade, Fred Linz, Rudy Smith, Rick Lorenz, and Michael Sobczak—each of whom held a unique and important place in his heart.

Known affectionately as a local legend in Calumet City, Yogi had a memory for names, faces, and even house addresses. He could tell you who lived where and probably had a story to go with it. He was a fixture at his sons’ sporting events at St. Victor and TF North, and he proudly supported his son’s service in the U.S. Air Force.

Yogi loved a good game of cards or darts, and he usually won. He was quick with a joke, sharp with his wit, and even quicker with a story. He was a diehard fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears, cheering (and sometimes cursing) them with unwavering loyalty.

But above all, Yogi loved people. He had a gift for making others feel seen, heard, and welcome. Whether at the bar, at home, or out in the neighborhood, he was the kind of man who made friends everywhere he went—and kept them for life. His stories, laughter, and warmth will live on in the countless lives he touched.

Yogi leaves behind too many friends to name, but those who knew him well know just how deeply he will be missed—and how fondly he will be remembered.

To honor Yogi’s generous spirit, please consider a donation to the Cedar Hill, Texas Food Bank in his memory.   Cedar Hill Shares Food Pantry – Cedar Hill Food Pantry

Two Celebration of Life gatherings will be held in Yogi’s honor:

• Dallas, Texas
  Saturday, June 21, 2025
  11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  Jeter & Son Funeral Home
  332 Cedar Street, Cedar Hill, TX
• St. John, Indiana
  Saturday, July 26, 2025
  11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  Elmwood Chapel
  11300 W. 97th Lane, St. John, IN

A graveside interment will take place on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery in Calumet City, Illinois. (Final location details within the cemetery and whether the service is private will be shared as soon as available.)

All who knew and loved Yogi are welcome to join in celebrating his remarkable life.