Thomas Anderson

When reflecting on the life of Thomas Anderson, words such as compassionate, courageous, and devoted come to mind, however, it was his unwavering faith that will be his lasting legacy. Second only to his faith was the love he had for his family as he viewed them as his most priceless treasure. Tom was a dedicated husband and father who was filled with unspeakable joy to witness his family tree blossom to include grandchildren alongside the love of his life. Although he will be deeply missed, the moments he shared with his loved ones are priceless memories that will be cherished for years to come. During the first half of the 1940s the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as countless young servicemen and women were serving during WWII. Those who remained stateside became accustomed to rationing on common goods such as rubber, sugar, and coffee while industry shifted to manufacturing things needed to support the war effort. It was during this eventful time that a young couple from Berkley, Michigan, was pleased to announce the births of their son and daughter on September 18, 1942, in Detroit. Thomas Marvin and his twin sister, Karen, were the first and second children born to their parents, Thomas and Gladys (Sarnowsky) Anderson, and Tom loved teasing Karen about the fact that he was older since he was born first. Raised in the family home in Berkley, which is a suburb of Detroit, alongside Karen and their younger sister, Carla, Tom experienced a fairly typical upbringing for the youth of his generation. His father worked doing upholstery for the auto industry while his mother worked at the Sanders Candy Company. Tom attended Berkley Public Schools and discovered that he was very artistic at a young age as he was amazing at drawing and painting. He went on to graduate from Berkley High School. Life was forever changed for Tom when he met the young girl of his dreams while at church. Her name was Rebecca Parent, and her father was the pastor at the church. As the story goes it was love at first sight, and they began dating. Their relationship was soon altered when Tom was drafted into the Army during the days of the Vietnam War. While in the military he became a medic and was stationed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After Becky graduated from high school, she and Tom became husband and wife on June 19, 1965. She joined him in Pittsburgh, and they remained there until he was discharged from the military in 1966. The couple then returned to Michigan and lived in a couple of different places before settling in Romulus. Together Tom and Becky were filled with unspeakable joy to welcome four children into their hearts and home: Steven in 1969, Amy in 1972, Thomas in 1974, and Jeffrey in 1975. Tom was a devoted father who was as active as he could be in his childrens lives and activities. Although vacations were few and far between, they made the most of the things they were able to do as a family. There were fun-filled times at a cottage that belonged to Beckys side of the family in Mackinaw City. Throughout his life Tom was one to work hard. He started out working as a milkman, but he soon took a job with J Painting Contractors where he became a highly requested interior house painter and wallpaper hanger. This was a great fit for Tom with his creative abilities, and he was meticulous in his work. He also painted murals and other special designs for businesses. Tom remained with J for 30 years before being forced to retire due to health challenges. In everything he did, Tom was a faithful servant of God. His faith was strong and unwavering, even when the storms of life came his way. He was the assistant pastor at Southgate Apostolic Church for thirty years and was an integral part of building the church along with Beckys family. In fact, Tom and his wife were one of the first couples to be married in the church, and he also baptized all of his children there. Church was an integral part of his life, and he served in a variety of ways through the years as he was on numerous committees and traveled around the state to attend church conferences and monthly meetings. Tom and his family were given a tough pill to swallow with the death of his son, Thomas, when he was just 12 after a short battle with cancer. Toms faith remained intact - so much so that he was able to preach at his sons funeral service. With his leisure time Tom enjoyed pursuing some of his interests. His creative flair emerged as he liked working with stained glass. Tom made several stained glass windows for friends and family in addition to other pieces of artwork. He also enjoyed gardening and had fruit trees, flowers, and vegetables in his yard. Later in life Tom began having health issues. He developed diabetes and also had problems with his heart and kidneys. Since he was no longer able to work, Tom kept busy watching television and various things on the web. He kept his mind sharp by watching Jeopardy!, doing word games and puzzles, and reading his Bible and other religious books. In 2012 Tom and Becky moved to Muskegon to be closer to their daughter. They really liked being in West Michigan and enjoyed taking drives by Lake Michigan. Tom and Becky appreciated how life was much slower paced as opposed to what they were used to when living near Detroit. While in Muskegon they attended Shekinah Christian Ministries in Muskegon where he served as an elder. With unending love for his family and a desire to serve those around him, Thomas Anderson was a blessing in the lives of all who were within his reach. He lived life to the fullest while holding fast to the faith that was engraved upon his heart. Tom was an inspiration to everyone he met by the way he lived his life each day. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered. Thomas M. Anderson died on Saturday, February 1, 2014, at his home. Toms family includes his wife, Rebecca; children, Steven Wayne (Maggie) Anderson of Kentwood, Amy (Jeffery) Milner of Muskegon, Jeffery (Kerry) Anderson of California; grandchildren, Justin, Julie, Joseph, Joshua, Jenny, J.J., Zach and Griffen; sisters, Karen (Michael) Modano of Westland MI, Carla (Ron) Chunovich of California. Tom was preceded in death by his son, Thomas, in 1986. Services will be held on Friday, February 7, 2014, 2:00 p.m. and visitation starting at noon at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Pastor Jerry Pimpleton officiating. Interment at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the familys wishes. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.