Thomas M. Farrell

Born in Detroit, Michigan, January 15, 1928, passed peacefully into eternal rest in Lansing, MI, December 25, 2014. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Father, Grandfather, husband, and best friend. His journey in this world has ended, his pain is gone, and he now rests in the arms of Jesus. Tom worked hard to support his family, was an honest, generous and true friend; and most of all, he loved his wife and family. He will be deeply missed.

Tom was an avid tennis player, golfer, enjoyed history, politics, and photography. He and his wife Marilou also loved to travel and shared many trips abroad. In 1946 Tom began his career as a sports reporter for the Grand Rapids Herald. In the span of his nearly 50-year career he served as the public information officer for many state government agencies including the Michigan State Highway Department, the Michigan Commerce Department, and the Michigan Department of Education. He also worked for the Michigan Catholic Conference and as an administrative assistant to former U.S. representative John C. Mackey. In 1985 he was hired by then-Chief Justice G. Mennen "Soapy" Williams to be the Public Information Officer for the Michigan Supreme Court, where he worked until his retirement in 1993. Tom was a member of the Michigan Historical Commission, was president of the Michigan Press Association, a member of the Michigan Broadcaster's Association, and a lifetime board member for Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.

Thomas is survived by his eight children, Richard, Grand Ledge, MI; Thomas, Michael (Carol), Mark, Susan (Douglas) Lenon, Lansing, MI; James (Jane Greenway) Okemos, MI; Mary (Robert) Moffett, Pierson, FL; and Nancy, Weslaco, TX; his many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews; sisters Joanne Chapin, IL; Mary Cagney, OH; and Lois, Lansing. He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Marilou, their son Patrick, daughter-in-law Gail, daughter Catherine, and granddaughter Sara Rivera. The family wishes to invite those whose lives were touched by Tom to join them in celebration of his life Wednesday, December 31, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Gerard Catholic Church, Lansing, MI. Burial at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Lansing, MI. Visitation is Tuesday, December 30, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m., with Vigil Service at 7 p.m. in the Tiffany Funeral Home, 3232 W. Saginaw St., Lansing. Viewing will be from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesday at church. Friends may visit the guestbook at www.tiffanyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to organizations supporting Alzheimer's research and care.