Thomas A. “Tom” DeVries
March 3rd, 1955 - April 28th, 2024
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Tom's Obituary
Thomas A. “Tom” DeVries, 69, of Stevensville, passed away on Sunday, April 28, 2024. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 12 PM at the First Congregational Church, 2001 Niles Ave., St. Joseph, MI. 49085, with Pastor Jeffrey Hubers officiating. Per the family’s wishes, please wear maize and blue to help celebrate and honor the life of Tom. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph High School Athletic Department, 2521 Stadium Dr, St. Joseph, MI, 49085 or the First Congregational Church. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Tom was born on March 3, 1955, in Grand Rapids to Robert & LucyAnn DeVries. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1973. For the last 10 years Tom was employed with Meijer where he worked in a variety of departments.
While Tom was known to be a fantastic friend, hosting special friend parties, a renowned gardener and cookie baker, he was also known for many other things. First, he was recognized as a St. Joseph High School athletic “Super Fan,” with his name and photo displayed in the Athletic Hall of Fame. Also, he was known as “The Scrabble King,” at the senior center, the library, and with his family where he maintained a ledger dating back to 1971. When he wasn’t watching and cheering for the St. Joe Bears, Tom could be found supporting the University of Michigan, Detroit Lions or Chicago Blackhawks. He volunteered at church events such as the soup kitchen, rummage sales and local sporting events in various capacities. Tom was a kind, loyal and generous man who will be missed by all who knew him.
Tom is survived by his mom, LucyAnn; siblings: Linda (Keenis) Owens of IN & FL, Robert H (Karol) DeVries of GA, Nancy Bunker of St. Joseph, and Ruth (Jim) Kurtis of AZ; nieces & nephews: Amanda, Zachary, Ashleigh, Katie, and Terah; Uncle Tom & Aunt Ethel Louise Wilkinson of TN; and numerous cousins, great-nieces & great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert DeVries
Tom was born on March 3, 1955, in Grand Rapids to Robert & LucyAnn DeVries. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1973. For the last 10 years Tom was employed with Meijer where he worked in a variety of departments.
While Tom was known to be a fantastic friend, hosting special friend parties, a renowned gardener and cookie baker, he was also known for many other things. First, he was recognized as a St. Joseph High School athletic “Super Fan,” with his name and photo displayed in the Athletic Hall of Fame. Also, he was known as “The Scrabble King,” at the senior center, the library, and with his family where he maintained a ledger dating back to 1971. When he wasn’t watching and cheering for the St. Joe Bears, Tom could be found supporting the University of Michigan, Detroit Lions or Chicago Blackhawks. He volunteered at church events such as the soup kitchen, rummage sales and local sporting events in various capacities. Tom was a kind, loyal and generous man who will be missed by all who knew him.
Tom is survived by his mom, LucyAnn; siblings: Linda (Keenis) Owens of IN & FL, Robert H (Karol) DeVries of GA, Nancy Bunker of St. Joseph, and Ruth (Jim) Kurtis of AZ; nieces & nephews: Amanda, Zachary, Ashleigh, Katie, and Terah; Uncle Tom & Aunt Ethel Louise Wilkinson of TN; and numerous cousins, great-nieces & great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert DeVries
Memorial Contributions
St. Joseph High School Athletic Department, 2521 Stadium Dr, St. Joseph, MI, 49085
First Congregational ChurchService Details
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