Thomas Rix

Tom Rix was enthusiastic about the things he loved. He had a hearty, contagious laugh and his sense of humor brought smiles and delight to those around him. He understood commitment and kept the ones he made. The solidness of his stature was surpassed by the strength of his heart. He was dedicated to his family, loving them faithfully.

Born on December 25, 1946, Thomas David Rix entered the world of the Baby Boomers, growing up during an era of bomb shelters, varsity sweaters, and rock-n-roll. He entered a bustling household, the fifth child born into the family. His parents, Carroll and Lorene (Zielie) had experienced the loss of their oldest daughter, Barbara, and would have one more child after Tom.

Tom was born in Lakeview Hospital in Paw Paw, Michigan, but soon after, the family moved to a large parcel of land at the corner of CR 652 and 44th Street that is now known as Rix Corners. He attended Mattawan schools and was the president of his senior class, graduating in 1965 from Mattawan High School. After high school, he attended Western Michigan University for one year, but Tom would soon share a common experience with many other young American boys. Uncle Sam and the Vietnam War interrupted his academic career. He was drafted into the Army and served for two years stateside during the conflict.

A few years after his time in the service, Tom was employed by Green Bay Packaging in Kalamazoo. He worked there for over thirty-one years in the sales department. He was a loyal employee and knew his trade well.

In his spare time, Tom thoroughly enjoyed working with horses. He owned several through the years and loved every aspect of them, other than the clean up. Although he was not a fan of sports in general, he was glued to the television during the Kentucky Derby. Horses would become more than just a hobby, however. Ultimately they would bring him and his wife Karen together. Karen Sweet had friends who were involved with horses, and they introduced her to Tom. Eventually Karen convinced Tom that they needed to be together forever, and on May 16, 1987, their two families became one. They were wed at the Congregational Church in Mattawan.

This single dad of one and a single mom of two formed one team of five. There were bound to be challenges at the outset. The merger included two teenage boys that were only one-and-a-half years apart. But Tom handled it all with his great sense of humor and deep commitment, and with time and love, the family became strong.

Tom had an eye for detail and was extremely observant. This contributed to his landscaping skill, which he applied meticulously around his home. It also aided his discernment regarding his children's activities, which his sons Jason and Ken would attest to. He enjoyed investigative news shows such as Date Line and 60 Minutes. He loved knowing and sorting out the facts of an issue, and his daily ritual of reading the newspaper and watching news magazine television was something that his loved ones knew not to interfere with.

Tom took great pride in the landscaping around his home and enjoyed the physical labor. He also enjoyed trying his luck with one-armed bandits, although that particular endeavor didn't produce much profit. The things he enjoyed the most, however, weren't things. What he loved the most was his family. He put them first no matter what, and adored both of his grandchildren

Tom is survived by his wife, Karen; three children, Jason (Heather) Rix of Mattawan, Denise Koning of Gaylord, Michigan, and Ken Koning of Allegan; two grandchildren, Jordan and Abigail Shotwell; two sisters, Janet (Art) Alexander of Mattawan, and Marianne (Jerry) Brown of Ludington; two brothers, Jim (Gerry) Rix and Dan (Carol) Rix, both of Mattawan; father-in-law Kenneth (Helen) Sweet of Oshtemo; and several nieces and nephews.

Tom passed away at his residence on Friday, November 7, 2003. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carroll R. and Lorene K. (Zielie) Rix; his sister, Barbara; and his mother-in-law, Lilianne Sweet.

Cremation will take place. Friends will be received Sunday, November 9, from 4:00 - 8:00 PM at Betzler Funeral Home, Stadium Drive, West of 131 (375-2900). A Celebration of Life service will be held there Monday, November 10, at 11 AM. Food and fellowship will follow at the family home. Private interment will take place in Maple Grove Cemetery, Mattawan. To read Tom's complete life story, share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or the West Michigan Cancer Center, please visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

Although Tom will be deeply missed, he leaves for his dear ones sweet memories of love and laughter that they will cherish forever.