Thomas Tommy Peters

Thomas Peters, age 39, died suddenly October 10, 2011. Beloved Father of Ryan and Ashley Peters. Dearest son of Tom and Ricki Peters. Loving brother of James and Robert (Christina) Peters. Dear uncle of Andrew O’donnell, Jenna Peters and Robert Peters Jr. Visitation Thursday 3-9 pm at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield, Clinton Township. Funeral Friday 11 am at the funeral home. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township.

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Thomas Peters, it summarized in every way who he was. He was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around him and always thinking before acting. He was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything he did. He was a friendly person who truly cared about those around him.

Thomas was born on July 22, 1972 at St. John Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. He was the son of Thomas and Ricki Peters. Raised in Michigan, he was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, he learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that he would carry with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Thomas was always aware of how others around him felt and this quality served him well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Thomas was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Thomas was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where he could concentrate, Thomas also had the ability to relate well with his family and friends. Thomas was raised with two siblings, James and Robert. Thomas was constantly involved in activities with his family. Thomas and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

Growing up, Thomas was one of those children who didn’t need to be in the center of a whirlwind of activity. He was content to entertain himself. Thomas was never pushy when it came to games and other activities, but rather, he was able to enjoy the pure fun these could bring. In just about everything he did as a child, Thomas was intent on pleasing both the adults and the other children around him. Thomas took part in a number of activities as a child. He took part in basketball, t-ball and break dancing. In his spare time he liked drawing and collecting comics. Thomas' memorable achievements included winning an art contest at the age of eight.

Thomas enjoyed learning. He always had a great memory and was particularly skilled at retaining factual information. Thomas was generally quiet in class, learning best through observation. He often showed great concentration and was competent at completing the tasks at hand. Good with details, Thomas was painstaking and accurate in his efforts. He attended Roseville High School. Although he never finished high school, Tom received his GED and completed vocational school. Thomas enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. He learned the art of skipping school and forgery.

Thomas was a good father to his children. He had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because he trusted emotions, Thomas was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way he seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around him, always thinking before acting. In addition, Thomas was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around him might be, he seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Thomas was blessed with two children, Ryan and Ashley Peters.

If you gave Thomas a deadline, he would meet it. At work, Thomas was always on task. Without hesitation, Thomas could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. His primary occupation was a CNC operator. He was employed for 9 years at Royal Oak Products. During that time, Thomas excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. He was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Thomas was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Thomas had a true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. He was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.

Thomas liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Thomas's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Thomas preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on his hobbies. His favorite pursuits were hunting and fishing. Thomas was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying his hobbies all by himself and could often be found just reading about his favorite pastimes.

While thorough and measured in his approach to things, Thomas often liked to physically do things rather than just think about them. He was like that with sports. Recreational sports included basketball and bike riding. He also enjoyed the statistical data and the facts behind the sports. In this way, he was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were basketball playoffs and football playoffs.

Thomas and his children loved and enjoyed the company of a cute begal named Bailey for a short time in their life and still remember him fondly. Fat cat and White cat were close family members for 10 years. Thomas was as loyal to his pets as they were to him.

Thomas passed away on October 10, 2011 at at his home in Roseville, Michigan. Thomas fought a brave battle against his own inner demons. He is survived by his children Ryan and Ashley Peters; his parents Tom and Ricki Peters; his brothers James and Robert (Christina) Peters; and nieces and nephews Andrew O'donnell, Jenna Peters and Robert Peters Jr. Services were held at Kaul Funeral Home, Clinton Township, Michigan. Thomas was laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township, Michigan.

It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Thomas was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Thomas was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of man to whom everyone was drawn. He was thorough and practical. Thomas Peters was very literal with his words. You always knew where you stood with Thomas. He will be missed.

For those who don’t know us, I’m Ashley Peters and I’m Tracy Sexton, We’d like to say a few words in memory of (my dad) and (my cousin) Thomas J. Peters

Tommy was not just my dad he was also me and my older brother’s best friend. He helped me get through every little thing I needed him for, no matter what it was. He was an all-around great guy, amazing personality and a very caring and gentle man, I was always I guess you could say “Daddy’s Little Girl” and no matter what, by the end of the day he was always the one to keep that smile on my face, but when I was feeling upset or angry he would do his best to make every little thing just right, either by just being the goofy guy he was or by taking me to McDonalds, he knew my favorites. My father was honestly the best man I’ve ever had in my life, by far. He was a great uncle to Andrew, Jenna and Bobby Jr. and they loved him very much.

Now I’d like to say something to my older brother, Ryan Peters ….. Daddy is in a much better place now, yes I know dad was your best friend, but now we have each other. I may not be able to go hunting with you or help you fix your car, but I can be the one to be here for you and to be your shoulder to cry on, or to be the one to laugh with. I love you so much and Daddy’s watching down on us, I promise. I love you Daddy.

She’s right, Tommy was one of those people who could make you smile and whose laugh was contagious, but now that he’s passed we find ourselves confused and sad, Being Ashley’s older cousin I felt like it was my responsibility to be strong for her, the past few days everyone kept saying “hold in there for Ashley” and “you have to keep Ashley strong” but Ashley, you’re probably stronger now than I’ll ever be, Ryan you too. When I cry it’s you guys who remind me he’s in a better place and that he left this temporary home to live in his mansion in Heaven. Tommy’s eating good tonight and every night and if you knew Tommy, that meant dollar menu at McDonalds, for those of you who came up to the casket today you may notice a bracelet that spells out “butter”, Tommy hated that bracelet, Ashley made it for me and it turned into a joke where ever we ordered we ordered butter, and we’d yell “I like butter” in the store, he’d get so embarrassed but it always made him laugh, So Tommy, I hope they have plenty of butter where you are, I love you…………..