Thomas J. Swan

Thomas J. Swan Jr., age 89, died July 30, 2013 in Clinton Township, Michigan. He was born on November 22, 1923 in Detroit to the late Thomas Joseph Swan and the late Elsa (nee: Kunze) Swan.With thanks and praise from a grateful nation, we pay homage to Thomas for his service to our country during World War II as a soldier in the U.S. Army. Serving from March 1944 thru April 1946, he attained the rank of Sergeant and received other distinguished commendations in the exercise of his duties. For the sacrifices made and the bravery exuded, we honor Thomas for his patriotism and the willingness to wear the uniform in helping to preserve the freedoms and liberties we enjoy today...because he was there.A Detroit boy born and raised, Thomas was a graduate of Eastern High School's Class of 1942. From there, his education ensued with a focus on engineering at both Macomb County Community College and Lawrence Tech. This would ultimately lead to his path of employment as a Quality Control Engineer at both the Research Design Service, Inc. and Aetna Industries, the latter of which he retired from after many years of loyal and dedicated service. On May 8, 1948, Thomas' life was gloriously changed when he and the love of his life, Martha, were joined in holy matrimony. For over 62 wonderful years, these two lovebirds enjoyed the blessings of building a home, raising 2 beautiful children, and growing deeper in love with each passing day. They kept their promises to each other and lived out the vows they shared until death parted them with Martha's passing on Christmas Day of 2010. Thomas and his family resided in Detroit until the 1960's when they decided to relocate to Warren. While in Detroit, Thomas was a devout member of Mt. Calvery Lutheran Church and quite active in the church as well. Most notably were his positions as Sunday School Superintendent and Secretary of the Congregation. Upon relocating, Thomas and his family found their new church home at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Eastpointe where he continued to pour the best of himself and his faith into being a servant of the Lord. There was never a question that God came first in Thomas' life, and his faith was paramount. His compassion and kindness touched the hearts and souls of countless people along life's way and his ministering spirit was a testament to the depths of that faith as well. He truly lived out the scripture that says; "Consider others more important than yourself" as he easily put the needs of others ahead of his own. Thomas not only possessed a deep and abiding faith, he lived it out with passion and care,...and many were the blessed recipients of his unselfish love.Along with living out his faith, Thomas will also be remembered for his "practical joker" side, too. He had his own, unique style of conjuring up a laugh and bringing comedy to the lives of many. His fun side also took its form in the sport of bowling where he enjoyed the competition and comraderie of friends on the alleys. Another of his favorite pastimes was found in his involvement with the various church affiliated fundraisers that provided Thomas a wonderful avenue to share his giving spirit. That, coupled with his membership and association with the Lutheran High East Boosters, was just a part of the Godly influence he had upon countless lives. But without question, Thomas' ultimate pastime was realized through his love of fishing. There was just something special in the peacefulness and serenity of a favorite fishing hole that meant so much to Thomas.But of all the things he was passionate about, nothing could hold a candle to the love and adoration he possessed for his family and the moments & memories they shared together. He was revered for the great father he was, always involved and in touch with their lives. Children carry many reflections of their childhood, with one of Linda and Ken's most treasured memories being the ice skating rinks their Dad painstakingly produced and cared for each winter. Just like a gardener watering his yard each day, there was Thomas with hose in hand making sure the surface of the ice was just perfect for his kids and their friends. I mean,...just how many kids can say that they had their own ice skating rink? WOW...he was a great Dad! He was also quite the doting and cherished grandfather and great-grandfather as well. His grandchildren meant the world to him and the memories they shared were precious. Then there's Baby Hannah, the great-granddaughter that he never met because she's on the way. And who knows? Perhaps God, in his infinite love, somehow afforded Thomas the gift of seeing Hannah coming down out of Heaven as he was ascending there himself to be with his Lord. We can dream, right?He was the beloved husband of the late Martha. Dear father of Linda (Jerry) DeRuiter, and Ken (Lynelle) Swan. Loving grandfather of Heather (Scott) Glenday, Steven Swan, Erica Swan and great-grandfather of Leah, Brendan, Jessica, and soon to be Baby Hannah. Visitation Thursday 3-9pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile) in Warren. He will lie in state Friday 9:30am until the time of his Funeral Service at 10:30am at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Eastpointe. Memorial donations to the St. Thomas Lutheran Church Foundation or School. Please share memories at his guest book.