Thomas Shannon

Thomas Shannon lived a life that saw many changes in the world, but through them all he remained a man with a strong sense of family, hard work ethic and the kindest, most caring heart for everyone around him. He was not someone consumed by material gains in life, but by the satisfaction of putting his family and friends first and doing the best job he could with whatever task was at hand. In a world often clouded over by unrest, Thomas was a ray of sunshine for those close enough to receive the gift of his warmth. The year was 1921, and America was still in celebration of its victory in World War I, and beginning to rev up for the Roaring Twenties. The country was in the midst of a recession, yet there was a renewed hope surrounding the nation as America moved from the Industrial Age to a new Progressive Era. In Muskegon, Michigan, the Shannon family was starting the New Year out with a celebration of their own as they welcomed the birth of their son, Thomas George, on January 17, 1921. Thomas was the third of four children in the Shannon family. He had two older siblings, Patricia and Wilbert, and a younger brother, George, who died as an infant. His father, Wilbert, supported their family working at the Anaconda Foundry in Muskegon, while his mother worked in their family owned grocery store and at Coles Bakery. Unfortunately, Thomas father suffered with much illness through life because of being severely gassed in World War I, along with the dust from foundry work. He eventually died at an early age from Emphysema. Thomas received his education in the Muskegon Public Schools. It was while in high school that Thomas found his one true love and best friend in Geraldine Ryder. The two were sweethearts throughout high school and eloped in 1939 and were married in South Bend. Shortly after saying I do, Thomas followed the same patriotic calling of other young men of the time, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. A proud sailor, he served his country during World War II in the Pacific Theater of Operations. Upon his honorable discharge, Thomas returned home to his family and went to work at Continental Motors for the next 35 years. With his strong work ethic and reliable, he worked his way up through the company to become the Vice President of Operations, wherein he negotiated many lucrative contracts for the company. Thomas and Geraldine shared many delights and heartaches together in their sixty-five years of marriage. They learned, suffered and grew as a team, and shared in the joys of their four children: Nancy, Sally, Jeri and Mark, and later with their precious grandchildren. When his oldest granddaughter started talking, she affectionately called Thomas Poppy, which carried on with the rest of the grandchildren. And whenever he heard his name, it always brought a proud smile to his face. Underneath his kind, gentle heart, Thomas was a reservoir of wisdom. Hed gladly give helpful advice, but only when asked. He never considered himself anything more than a ordinary man who loved his family dearly. Outside of family and work, Thomas was active in his community as a member of the Rotary, Muskegon Elks, Chamber of Commerce, S.C.O.R.E. and the Muskegon Country Club. He was also a member and former president of the Showdown Investment Club. Thomas was a die-hard U of M fan, and loved to play cards, especially Bridge with his wife, Geraldine or anyone that was around to play. Some time ago, Thomas suffered a heart attack and underwent treatment, which caused his kidneys to fail and had to have dialysis. But as his body grew tired, he decided not to continue with treatment, and he lost a leg due to circulation problems. Thomas leaves a legacy of love and commitment for his wife, children and grandchildren, and his example is precious to all who knew him. His good spirit and smiling face served as testimony to the fact that Thomas enjoyed every moment of his life. His presence in the world will be greatly missed, but the memories he created with his family and friends will always be remembered. Funeral services for Thomas will be held on Monday, October 1, 2007, at 11 a.m. at the Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Please visit Thomas memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a thought or memory with his family or sign his online guest book.