Thom Martin

As friends and family gather to honor Thom Martin, we celebrate a man whose love for others ran deep. Always the kind of person to prioritize others, Thom went above and beyond to show up for the people around him. Nothing brought him more joy than time spent with his loved ones, humans and pets alike. His quick-witted sense of humor could light up any room, and his jokes—often accompanied by his own laughter—brought joy to all who knew him. Already so greatly missed, Thom will be deeply loved and forever remembered by those closest to him.

Thom’s story began during one of the most challenging periods in our nation’s history. The early 1940s were marked by the turmoil of WWII, yet amid that tension came a ray of light for Henry and Charleen (McMillan) Martin of San Diego, California. On October 9th, 1942 they welcomed their son, Thom, into their hearts and home. Though born in San Diego, he was raised in Battle Creek, Michigan alongside his brother, Steve, enjoying a typical Michigan childhood spent outdoors and on the water whenever possible. His beloved Grandpa Herman instilled an appreciation in him for fishing, hunting, and taking time to enjoy the simple things in life like nature, animals, and growing a great mustache.

As Thom grew, his charisma and deep enthusiasm for embracing new challenges became even more evident. He attended local schools, including Lakeview High School, where he was well liked to the point of earning the titles of Class Officer and President of the Student Council. He excelled at both and a quote about him in his 1960 school yearbook states “He will attain the hitherto unattainable.” A talented athlete, dedicated student, and natural leader, Thom looked out for everyone around him. After graduating, he began studying dentistry at the University of Michigan, but soon discovered he preferred the atmosphere of a smaller school. Seeking a better fit, he continued his education at Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, where he earned his associate’s degree.

This same drive propelled Thom's success within his career and military service, both of which he was immensely proud. He began working at Post Cereal as a technician, willingly taking on long hours and any task needed. As he rose through the ranks, his eagerness to learn and steady ambition afforded him the opportunity to eventually become a food scientist. When Thom was drafted during the Vietnam War, the company held his position for him—a testament to his value as an employee. After a clerical error altered his original Army MOS assignment as a combat engineer, he put himself to work, applying his limited dental schooling to training as a combat medic. Fueled by purpose, he reflected on his time as a medic as very rewarding because he was able to help people. After his service, he went right back to work. One highlight of his career was traveling to Korea to help build a Post plant—a challenging project due to the language barrier, but one Thom embraced with dedication, ingenuity, and willingness to connect. In 1996, after a long and fulfilling career, he retired at the age of 53.

It was just before his retirement that Thom’s life was forever changed with the blessing of his daughter, Savannah, in February of 1994. The timing was perfect, giving Thom the opportunity to fully devote himself to raising her. Savannah was his greatest joy and top priority. For example, though math wasn’t his strongest subject, Thom would stay up all night learning her homework so he could help her in the morning before school. He cooked her breakfast every day and poured his heart into every moment of fatherhood.

Part of what made Thom such an amazing dad was his mischievous and fun-loving personality. Savannah often had trouble waking up in the mornings, and sometimes Thom would hide his truck behind the pole barn to make Savannah think he’d left without her. This was one of the many types of pranks he pulled on her throughout their life together. They fished together every chance they got on Graham Lake and would compete to see who could catch the most fish. Though humble in many respects, he would glow as he recounted tales of the many fish he caught (and attempted to catch) throughout the time he spent on lakes and in rivers all over Michigan. Summers were set aside for a longstanding tradition with Savannah–exploring the Pere Marquette River in Baldwin and hiking and watching sunsets at the beach in Ludington. Thom spent each fall in Baldwin and Ludington fishing for Brown Trout and Chinook Salmon, while winters were reserved for ice fishing for Bluegill with his buddies out on Graham Lake when the ice was thick enough. In his later years, Thom and Savannah enjoyed playing trivia every Sunday and going out for ice cream when the weather was sunny or they had something to celebrate, which was often! Thom was always there for his daughter, no matter what.

Thom had many hobbies to keep him busy in retirement. He loved spending time cooking, whether it was in the kitchen or outside on the grill and smoker. He had a green thumb and great love for his yard and garden, where he grew cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, grapes, and the best raspberries—generously sharing his seasonal harvests with friends and neighbors. Every Halloween, he carved pumpkins and displayed them on straw bales in front of Savannah’s childhood home, lighting them each night for all to enjoy. Thom’s expansive worldly knowledge, along with his love for sports (especially the Detroit Tigers), were defining characteristics. He walked two miles every morning, proudly declaring to his doctors that he made it down to the highway and back, despite them not knowing where that was in relation to his house. He loved music, his dogs, and laying out on his chaise lounge chair to soak up the sun on a perfect day. He always looked on the bright side, signing off every phone conversation with his daughter by using the phrase, “Eat well, sleep well, and stay happy.”

When reflecting on the legacy of Thom Martin, it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for the nature, animals, and people he filled his life with. His work ethic was extraordinary, and he was a shining example of compassion and generosity. A devoted father, Thom considered his relationship with his daughter and the love they shared to be his greatest treasure. He was truly a man who understood the secret to turning lemons into lemonade, and his happiness and satisfaction with his choices were evident to all. Although this world will never be the same without Thom, he leaves behind a legacy in the daughter he loved more than life who will share his story and continue to advocate for those affected by Lewy Body Dementia in his honor.

Thom Orrin Martin of Battle Creek, age 83, passed away on November 20th, 2025 in Kalamazoo. Thom was born October 9th, 1942 in San Diego, CA, to Henry and Charleen (McMillan) Martin who preceded him in death along with his brother, Steve Martin. He is survived by his daughter, Savannah Stuart. Please join us at a Life Story Service on Monday, December 1st at 4 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A reception will follow in the Life Story Center where food, drinks, and stories can be shared. Thom’s burial will be held Tuesday, December 2nd at 10:30 AM at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Celebrate Thom’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Lewy Body Dementia Association or Michigan Trout Unlimited.