Thomas Wesley Croff

Thomas Wesley Croff, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026, at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital, surrounded by the love and warmth of his cherished family. Born on April 5, 1944, at his family home in Levering, Michigan, Tom was a man who embraced life fully and touched the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Tom was the beloved son of Maynard and Opal Croff and was preceded in death by his older siblings Beverly Shull (Croff) and Berry Croff, as well as his younger twin brothers, Robert and Richard Hanes. He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Esther Croff (Flukes), with whom he shared a lifetime of love and adventure. Together, they built a family centered on love, respect, and joy. Tom was a proud and loving father to his daughter, Lisa Gabel, and her fiancé, Brian Dailey, and his son, Chad Croff, and his wife Amy. He took immense pride in being a grandfather to his four grandchildren, Dillon, Alivia, Aiden, and Cooper Croff, and was eagerly anticipating the arrival of a new grandchild, who will undoubtedly be blessed by the legacy of their grandfather's love. After graduating from Eastern High School in 1962, Tom attended Lansing Community College. He was a courageous patriot who served his country with honor and distinction. Drafted into the Vietnam War, Tom proudly served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division from 1968 to 1969, earning two Purple Hearts for his bravery and sacrifice. In his professional life, Tom was a dedicated and respected manager in the restaurant industry in Saginaw and Lansing. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to become a successful party store owner. Tom also served his community with distinction as a member of the Capital Region Airport Authority Board and the Vanderbilt Community Church Board. Tom's life was filled with hobbies and interests that brought him joy and fulfillment. A passionate enthusiast of model trains, woodworking, and genealogy, he was always eager to learn and share his knowledge. His fascination with technology was evident in his love for flying drones and capturing aerial videos. Tom and Esther embraced their retirement years by traveling extensively across the continental United States in their RV, and they were active members of the Ramblers Rest community. Tom cherished annual camping trips in Mackinaw City and spent countless hours enjoying the company of his children and grandchildren, whether traveling or watching them participate in their various activities. A strong, protective figure to his family, Tom was a natural teacher and educator who could engage anyone in conversation. He was known for his outgoing personality, love of animals, and deep commitment to family, participating actively in two different family reunions each year. A service to celebrate Tom's remarkable life will be held on May 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Vanderbilt Community Church. Family and friends are invited to gather and honor the memory of a man who lived with integrity, warmth, and immense love for those around him. In remembrance of Tom, let us carry forward his spirit of kindness, his dedication to family, and his unwavering zest for life. His memory will forever be a guiding light in the hearts of those who loved him.