Thomas Roger Warren Jr.

Thomas Roger Warren was born on July 10, 1958 to Thomas Roger and Rose Marie Gordon Warren. He was raised in New Buffalo, Michigan, where he attended New Buffalo Area Schools. He excelled academically, played baritone in the NB Band, achieved perfect attendance, and was named Salutatorian of the Class of 1976.

Tom was an advocate for peace, equality, and fairness for all people and animals. He cared deeply about the environment and was very knowledgeable about gardening and the medicinal values of herbs and flowers. He wrote poetry, loved music and had an amazing sense of humor. His refined sense of justice gave him the courage and intelligence to engage in lively discussions on just about any topic of social importance.

He took those values with him to Michigan State University, where he studied Culinary Arts/Food Services and worked as a Student Supervisor while earning his degree. After graduating, he remained at MSU as a Cafe Manager for his entire career, earning numerous awards and certificates, and making many dear friends along the way. After retiring, he returned to MSU from time to time to help out with cooking, and also to enjoy peaceful walks around the campus.

During his days at MSU, Tom met his forever love, Jeri Stevenson. They married on July 3, 2015, but were together for 32 years. They shared, and continue to share, a vision of the world that includes harmony with Spirit and the universe.

In addition to his wife, Jeri, Tom is survived by two sisters, Dani (Mark) Moser of Snellville, Georgia and Amy (Jim) Coble of Michigan City, Indiana. Also surviving are nieces and nephews Lance (Becca) Prybylla, Tyler (Shannon) Prybylla, Rachel (Josh) Jacobs, Jacob (Jennifer) Borglin, Jeremy (Lindy) Borglin, Allison (Ellis) Meyer, Dorothy (Kaddy) Morris, Dave (Rebecca) Morris and Alexander Morris. Great nieces and nephews include Warren, Violet Rose, Aubrey, Ella, Emma (Ethan), Luke, Riley, Madi, Adelaide, and Aria along with great, greats Emery and Elly. Also surviving are Aunt Betty and Uncle Eric and many beloved cousins and the family dog, Buffy.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded by his beloved grandparents on both sides, and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was also preceded by his dear dog, Obie, and many beloved cats and dogs.

A celebration of life is being planned on his birthday (July 10) at Lighthouse Chapel in Lansing, Michigan. Details will be forthcoming. If you wish to honor Tom’s memory, please consider a donation to your favorite charity. You can also speak out against injustice, plant a garden, tree or flower, attend a protest, adopt a pet who needs a home, watch his favorite movie, Harold and Maude, or resolve to carry out one act of kindness that makes the world a better place.