Tom Ferrell

Thomas Lyon Ferrell was a hard-working, fun-loving man whose humor and determination brought him through the ups and downs of life. He was strong and loving, courageous and compassionate among his children and grandchildren, family and friends. His bold faith, humble heart and unwavering spirit were evidence of a person touched by grace.

Thomas was born November 11, 1951 in Greensboro, North Carolina during a time of American optimism, when war gave way to peace and civil rights became a dramatic force in U.S. history. Growing families launched the baby boom era, and parents worked to make life good for their families. This was true of Richard B. Sr. (Rick) and Ruth (Wilson) Ferrell, who made their home in Washington, D.C., St. Louis, MO, Greensboro, NC, and Grosse Pointe, MI with their children Maureen, Janet (who died in infancy), Kerrie, Richard Jr. and Tom. The family moved with Rick’s profession—that of a Major League baseball player. Rick was considered one of the best catchers in baseball during the 1930s and early 1940s, when he played primarily with the Boston Red Sox. Rick was a “Hall of Famer” to the sports world but to young Tom he was just Dad.

When Tom was six years old, the Ferrell family moved to Gross Pointe, Michigan when his father joined the front office for the Detroit Tigers. Not surprisingly, the family had front row box seats at Tiger Stadium, and Tom grew up with baseball in his bones. He played Little League, and at the Tiger’s annual Father-Son game, Tom got to wear a full Tiger uniform, just like his dad. As a result of his Detroit immersion, Tom couldn’t help but be a fan of Red Wings’ hockey as well as Tiger baseball. However, in football, his allegiance was given to The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Tom attended elementary school in Grosse Pointe and Gross Pointe High School, but with the death of his mother in 1968 (at age 48) and because he had been a somewhat mischievous child, Tom did not complete high school. He took several odd jobs to earn spending money, but it wasn’t until 1976 that he earned his GED. In 1977, Tom entered Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan and, after four years, he came away with a BA in Philosophy.

While at Calvin, Tom dated and fell in love with Jane Post. In 1980, the couple married in a church ceremony and began their lives together, including the venture of a joint business. For several years, they ran a housekeeping service, cleaning homes and businesses. Later, Tom completed certification in furniture finishing and found a job at Kindel Furniture in Grand Rapids where he reached the position of manager. He and Jane delighted in the births of their four children—Joshua in 1982, Brandon in 1985, Lindsey in 1990 and Benjamin in 1997. As a family, they especially enjoyed summer camping trips that took them to many beautiful sites around Michigan’s “water wonderland.”

In 1995, Tom’s beloved father died, and in 1998 his marriage to Jane ended. Not long after, Tom re-entered college to become a medical assistant. Upon completion of his degree, Tom first worked for Grand Valley Health Plan, and then in 2010, he took a job with Orthopedic Associates of West Michigan, scheduling surgeries. During this time, Tom met Flo Palima who was living in the Philippines. Over the time that they corresponded online and talked long distance, the two developed a strong bond. A year later, when Tom visited Flo in September of 2006, they knew it was love. She came to the United States in 2008, and the couple made their vows of marriage on October 3, 2008.

Tom and Flo lived in a home on Escott NW in Grand Rapids, where Flo found full time work at Key Plastics Automotive Group. Flo also works as a seamstress. Life together was animated by Tom’s humor and quirks. He had an appetite for pasta and chicken wings, among other foods, and every morning for breakfast, he insisted on sausage and eggs. Being a big fan of classic rock, especially Jimmy Hendrix, Tom could be spotted playing an enthusiastic air guitar to various Hendrix tunes. He liked to tell jokes and zing one-liners that left people either laughing or groaning. All in all, Tom made life fun for those around him.

In 2011, Tom was diagnosed with lung cancer, and he received aggressive treatments for one year and nine months. During his battle, Tom continued to work and never missed a day due to his illness. He came to work with a positive attitude because he cared so deeply for his patients, physicians, and staff. Despite his suffering, Tom continued to do everything he could do to ensure that everything was documented; his team will be able to easily pick up where he left off. His passion for OAM was something that shined and made a difference for everyone who worked with and encountered him. He was just simply one of the Best of the Best and he will be greatly missed by the entire OAM team.

In Tom’s memory, OAM has decided to have an annual award to honor his loyalty, dedication, and teamwork. This award will be given out to an employee each year who possesses the strengths and characteristics that Tom brought to OAM each and every day. The award will be presented to Tom’s family at his memorial, and each year after OAM will go through a significant nomination process to award an employee who possesses these same traits.

In December of 2012, not liking the way the treatments made him feel, Tom decided to stop chemo although he continued to work. Instead, he focused on what became uppermost in his life. He was more devout in his faith, reading the Bible often. He also re-kindled family relationships. Most recently, Tom and his sons Brandon and Ben made a memorable trip to Disney World. He could honestly say that his illness afforded him a great blessing in that he was able to tie up loose ends with family, friends and his Lord.

Recently and within a matter of weeks, Tom’s health declined so that he could no longer work. His sister Maureen moved into the home to assist in his care. He was placed under Hospice care on Thursday, May 2, but on Saturday afternoon, his health took a very sudden turn.

Thomas Lyon Ferrell died at home on Saturday, May 4, 2013 with his sister Maureen at his side. In truth, what Tom received through his illness was life giving, because what meant the most to him was his Christian faith and the impact it had upon others.

Thomas Lyon Ferrell, 61, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend crossed over peacefully to meet the Lord on May 4, 2013, following a two-year battle with lung cancer. His exuberant presence will be greatly missed by his survivors, his wife Flo, children Joshua, Brandon, Lindsey, and Ben Ferrell, former wife Jane Ferrell, grandchildren Isaiah, Alanna, and Rosalie, and sisters Maureen Ferrell and Kerrie Ferrell. Several cousins and lifelong friends also survive him. Preceding Thomas in death were his parents, Rick and Ruth Ferrell, a brother, Richard, Jr., and a baby sister, Janet, whom he never met, as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins. Cremation has taken place. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 on Thursday, May 9, with visitation from 11:00-1:00 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 851 Leonard St., NW . (near the corner of Alpine). After the service, burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery, 1366 Myrtle NW. The Reverend David Beelen will officiate. Please send any memorial contributions in Tom’s name to Madison Square Church. To read more about Tom’s life, to sign his guest book and to leave your own memory of Tom, visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com