Thomas Ernest Chisholm

Thomas Ernest Chisholm, age 81, was born on July 17, 1941 to Thomas Corlette and Erma Funk Chisholm. He grew up on Centennial Farm in Marshall, Michigan and spent several summers working on his uncle’s dairy farm in Hamilton, Indiana. In August of 1969 he married Darlene King. After a long flight home from Reykjavik, Iceland, he entered Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI. He died there on June 30, 2023, in the presence of his loving wife. He graduated in 1959 from Marshall High School. He went on to receive an Associate of Arts degree from Kellogg Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in Math & Social Studies from Western Michigan University, 2 Master’s degrees—one in Secondary Education and another in Educational Administration from Michigan State University, plus additional courses. He truly believed that “Education never ends.”

Tom retired from teaching in 1998, after 35 years in the Albion Public Schools where he taught math at the Junior High and later at Senior High. He worked very hard to meet students’ individual needs and to challenge them to be successful. To stimulate and motivate students he gave them a non-required puzzle each week. He helped to start a computer program at Albion Senior High where he taught BASIC computer language. One of the many ways he passed on his love of learning was by hosting “Chisholm Days” on Friday the 13th . He would share his Scottish heritage with his students. In 1970, he was named Albion “Outstanding Young Educator.”

He was an active member of the Albion Education Association. He served as President, as well as chief negotiator. He was also active in the Michigan Education Association, as well as the National Education Association and attended several of the NEA Conventions.

To say he loved traveling would be an understatement. Exploring the world, especially its creatures and its flowers, with his best traveling companion, Darlene, was his passion. Together they visited all 50 states, most of the national parks, and all 7 continents. On their honeymoon he photographed a boarded up Iroquois Point Lighthouse. Photographing this lighthouse began a lifelong journey of visiting and photographing over 4400 lighthouses. Always a list man, he documented in scrapbooks what he had seen and was always planning the next adventure.

He was member of Albion First United Methodist Church, Albion Historical Society, United States Lighthouse Society, Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association, as well as many other lighthouse organizations.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sister, Sharon (James) Whipple, Fort White, FL; Sister-in-law Linda (Ronald-deceased) Chisholm—Ceresco, MI; Brother-in-law Dennis (Janet) King, Toledo, OH; special cousin, Kathleen Brantley—Hamilton, IN and many nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents and brothers—Ronald and Jerry.

A visitation for Thomas will be held Sunday, July 9, 2023 from 2:00 PM until the time of service at 3:00 PM, First United Methodist Church, Tenant Hall, 600 E Michigan Avenue, Albion, MI 49224 officiated by Pastor Joel Fitzgerald. He will be laid to rest Monday, July 10, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Oakridge Cemetery, Marshall, MI 49068.

Memorials can be sent to Albion First United Methodist Church, Albion, MI, Albion Community Foundation—Linda Kochinski Fund (PO Box 156, Albion, MI 49224), US Lighthouse Society (9005 Point No Point Rd NE, Hansville, WA 98340) - Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association (PO Box 219, 707 N. Huron Ave., Mackinaw City, MI 49701).