Thomas Greene

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Thomas Greene was a hardworking man who lived a life of purpose that was deeply rooted in faith. He was never one to worry about the things of this world, rather, his focus was on how he could love and serve others as an outpouring of his love for his Lord and Savior. A more devoted family man would be hard to find, and nothing was sweeter than witnessing his family tree blossom to include the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchild he adored. Whether near his home or abroad, Tom used his gifts and talents to help others in ways both great and small. Although he will be deeply missed, he leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will proudly carry on in his footsteps.

The 1930s were a trying time in American history when the days were defined by the Great Depression. Jobs were scarce, and the unemployment roared soared to over 25 percent while a crippling drought covered the nation’s heartland for nearly two years during this time. Despite the challenges around them, Lincoln and Daisy (Piffer) Greene were able to shift their focus to a joyous time in their own lives as they welcomed a baby boy into their hearts and home on October 24, 1934, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Thomas Warren was the middle of seven children in his family, and when he was seven he and his family moved to a farm in Martin. He was a student at local schools where he excelled in his studies. While at Martin High School he was a tackle and guard on the school’s football team with tackle being his preferred position.

After graduating as the valedictorian of his class, Tom attended college for a semester until deciding to join the Air Force. He was stationed in Newfoundland, Canada, and it was there he met his first wife, Christine. After dating for a time they were married, and after he was discharged they settled in the Plainwell area. Together they were blessed with the births of four sons, Michael, Timothy, Daniel, and Todd. Sadly, the family was given a tough pill to swallow when their son, Daniel, died as just a young boy of 18 months. Although Tom and Christine later divorced, he was forever grateful for the children they shared.

Thomas supported his family with his work as a mechanic. He learned these skills while in the Air Force, but he was naturally gifted in this area so the work came easy for him. Thomas worked for Morrison Industrial for a time before going to work for General Motors. He spent his career working at the Fisher Body Plant until retiring.

New and exciting changes were in store for Thomas when he found love with a woman named Betty. They later married, but he was deeply saddened with her death after a battle with cancer. Thomas did marry again after meeting and falling in love with Joanne, but he also mourned her death in 2011.

A man with a very strong work ethic, Tom was even busy working at home in his time away from work. The family always had animals including dogs, a palomino horse, some cows, and chickens as well. Caring for the animals kept him busy, but he always had projects going on including the work that came with maintaining his 150 year old home on his own. Thomas also loved working on his lawn and was known for his large vegetable garden and gorgeous flower gardens. His dinner plate sized dahlias were his prized flower, and his lilies were also a favorite. With such a beautiful yard, it became the backdrop for numerous family events including weddings, reunions, and even baptisms in the pool he built on the property. Tom did enjoy some down time every once in a while. He loved a lively game of cribbage, and it was easy to tell if he won since his whole face would light up. Tom was generally a healthy eater, but he loved chocolate and sweets and was known to indulge on peanut butter cups and ice cream.

Always one to be busy, Tom used his gifts and skills to bless others in ways both great and small. Accompanied by a strong faith and unwavering spirit of generosity, he was active in his church, Plainwell Assembly of God, and was frequently found helping fix and maintain the church building. Thomas also worked on many missions projects and even donated and volunteered at the Sunshine Hacienda orphanage in San Philip in Baja, Mexico. In addition, Tom was part of the Gideons and frequently traveled with a small suitcase full of pocket Bibles to distribute as he traveled. During his retirement years, he enjoyed traveling to Florida to visit family, and he also found a small house in Mexico that he frequented. Additionally, Thomas traveled to Canada and took a trip to Israel where he was baptized in the Jordan River. Whenever he could, Thomas drove where he was going as he loved road trips.

All who knew Thomas Greene would agree that he was one of the most extraordinary people around. He was a hardworking man of courage who lived out his faith in both word and deed. Tom was deeply devoted to his family, and it was when surrounded by his loved ones that he knew true joy. He will never be forgotten.

Thomas W. Greene, of Plainwell, died at his home on February 7, 2016. Thomas is survived by his children, Timothy (Irene Mungie) Greene and Todd Greene; daughters-in-law, Patricia Hoyt and Mary Burland; 20 grandchildren; a great-great grandchild as well as many other relatives. Thomas was preceded in death by his wives, Christine, Betty, and Joanne; sons, Michael and Daniel; and his siblings. Visit with his family on Wednesday, February 10th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Homes, Plainwell; 120 S. Woodhams (685-5881). A funeral service for Thomas will be held on Thursday, February 11th at 11:00 a.m. at Plainwell Assembly of God; 202 S. Sherwood Street. Visit Tom’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a message and sign his guestbook. Memorial donations may be made to the Plainwell Assembly of God.