Thomas Jacob Williams

Thomas Jacob Williams went to meet our Lord and Savior on Monday, December 23, 2024 at the age of 93. Born in Lincoln Park, Michigan, he was the 4th of 13 children born to James and Theresa Williams. The family moved to Byron Center in 1946 and that’s where he met and married the love of his life, Louise Steffes in 1951 and have celebrated 73 years together. They were blessed with 7 children whom he loved very much, Deborah Funk, Kathleen (Jerry) Burgess, Linda (John) VanSingel, Elaine Williams, Ruth Williams, Tom Jr. (Tammy) Williams and Keith Williams. Two infant children, John and Mary preceded him to heaven.

Tom worked for 38 years at Fisher Body (GM) in many facets, starting out as a die maker. He also served on the board on Stampers Federal Credit Union for many years. At home he raised cows, pigs and chickens and had a beautiful garden that fed his family. He loved to hunt and fish and for many years around his birthday we would have a huge fish fry, enjoying his mouth watering catch. Together Mom and Dad enjoyed spending time at Lake Cecilia near Baldwin. They joined a Square dance group and enjoyed dancing when and wherever they could. After retirement Dad took up wood carving and carved many beautiful pieces. They also enjoyed a good card game.

Tom was a member of the American Legion, having served in the Army during the Korean War.

Surviving besides his children are 21 grandchildren, 78 great grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren. Surviving also are his siblings, Mary Jane Yarrington, Gerald (Theresa) Williams, Rita Williams (John Gill), Kenneth Williams, Sister Catherine Williams OP, Sister Jean Williams OP and Sister Joan Williams OP, sisters in-law Paula Williams, Theresa Williams and Anne Williams. Preceding him in death were his son in-laws Bernie Funk and Raymond Voetberg, granddaughter Baby Girl Funk, grandson Brian VanSingel, his parents James and Theresa Williams, brothers Larry, James, Ed and Francis, sister Sister Joyce Williams OP, his brother in-law Brantley Yarrington, sister in-laws Margaret Williams and Helen Williams. Also preceding him were his father and mother in-law Sebastian (Mike) and Lonie Steffes, and sister in-law Dorothy Budinger and her husband Peter. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am Saturday, December 28, 2024 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 9408 Wilson Ave, Byron Center, with Msgr. William Duncan celebrant. The family will receive relatives and friends 4-7 pm on Friday December 27, 2024 with a Vigil service at 6:45 pm at the Cook Funeral Home Byron Center 2067 84th St. SW and one hour prior to Mass on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Sebastian Church or Faith Hospice.