Thomas Finney Rushton

Thomas was born on September 3rd in Manistique, Michigan, to Thomas James Rushton and Kathleen Genevieve McNamara. His mother Kathleen raised Tom and his sister Sally as a single mother following his father’s tragic death in 1952. The years to follow were challenging for the family. During his childhood, some of his summer highlights were attending camps at Interlochen and Windsor. He enjoyed many summer visits to Manistique during his youth. After graduating from Eastern High School, Thomas enlisted in the US Navy and was stationed at the Great Lakes. After his service, he went on to work at Radio Shack for a brief time and then returned home to Lansing, where he worked for Motor Wheel, Coca-Cola, and Meijer. In his senior years, Thomas ventured into security at the Landmark, manufacturing at Gestamp, ushering at Spartan Stadium, and had a short stint as an Uber driver! For the past few years and up until his passing, he was happily employed by DK Security. He enjoyed his job very much and the opportunity to earn a little spending cash, be productive, and have purpose and structure each day.

Thomas was a Spartan Football fan and enjoyed watching the Lions with his bud, the late Don Johnson of East Lansing. Don had the TV and DiGiorno pizza; Thomas brought the pop! He enjoyed watching movies, reading, and listening to the 60’s Gold Channel on Sirius XM. He loved tinkering on his various modes of transportation, especially his prize '62 MG. A few other pastimes included bicycling, photography, and auctions.

He was a continuous learner and resourceful in learning quick repairs and remedies, and often YouTube was his guide. He enjoyed gatherings with cousins and appreciated their hospitality and home-cooked food! At Christmas, Thomas always brought the Quality Dairy eggnog.

Thomas will be fondly remembered for many things, including his witty humor, his gentle disposition, and his fortitude in life. He was determined to make each day count and be productive, despite what the day presented. He forged ahead!

Thomas is survived by many loving McNamara cousins, special cousin Dawn McNamara, and his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Sally, and cousins Claire and Gloria.

A private family service will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in Escanaba.