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On Friday morning, December 13th 2024, Thomas Lloyd Bliss, Sr., while surrounded by his family, departed us to join and meet his Heavenly Father face to face. He has left his loved ones with countless special memories to hold onto and a great legacy that will continue for generations to come. He was born on September 11th, 1945 in Saginaw to loving parents, Frank and Julia (Settle) Bliss. He grew up with his sisters who adored him, Barbara (Paul) Quenneville and Penny Bliss. As a child he suffered from rheumatic fever twice, which could have limited his life, however, he went on to lead a very active childhood, excelling at basketball, bowling, and golf.
Tom married his high school sweetheart, Susan Burk, on March 7th, 1964 and over the next 60 years of marriage they grew their family to include five children; Scott Bliss, Michael (Danette) Bliss, Thomas, Jr. (Eun Young), Matthew (Michael) Coleman, and Jennifer (Patrick) Beal; nine grandchildren; Katherine (Paul Hsu) Bliss, Thomas III (Ivy Chang) Bliss, Julia Bliss, Mikayla (Will) Koepke, Amber (Cody) Cousins, Brianna Bliss, Erik Beal, Zachary Bliss and Makenzie Bliss; and one great grandchild; Caden Cousins.
After graduating from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw, Tom began working for Saginaw Steering Gear on the assembly line. Over his 30-year career he rose in responsibilities and worked jointly with the UAW in the Training Center. After “retiring” and moving to Indian Lake Nazarene Camp he soon became the Camp Administrator and over the next 7 years, expanded and updated many aspects of the campground. Following his next “retirement” he served as custodian for the Chapman Memorial Nazarene Church and monitor of the ILNC water system.
Tom was a strong man of Christian faith, and lived his life as an example for his family to follow. After obtaining his Minister’s License, he served as Assistant Pastor at Saginaw Central Church of the Nazarene. Throughout the years he served on many church boards and committees, taught Sunday School, and also bought and read a new bible every year.
Tom was also a very active and involved person. Even while overcoming challenges and adversity throughout his life, he never complained, but instead focused on the joy in each and every day. Tom could be described as steadfast, loving, reliable, determined, funny, and incredibly caring. He enjoyed golfing, gardening, biking, and especially loved to attend sporting events of his grandchildren with his wife. It was always easy to keep Tom happy as his life pleasures were simply: dark chocolate, Hungarian goulash, hot peppers, and spending time with his family and grand-dogs. He enjoyed many family trips to Florida, as well as traveling the US with friends. At family gatherings, when the polka “Who Stole the Kishka” was played, he could always be counted on to lead the dance floor. He had an incredible wit and was also quite a jokester. Any interaction with Tom was always full of light and laughter.
Visiting hours for Tom will take place at the Eickhoff Funeral Home, located at 311 W Main St, Mendon, MI 49072, on Friday, December 20, 2024 from 3 until 6 pm. The Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at the Chapman Church of the Nazarene located at 7520 E U Ave., Vicksburg, MI 49097. Viewing will be at 10 am, Service at 11 am followed by the burial service at Vicksburg Cemetery where his earthly body will be laid to rest. Fellowship and Luncheon to follow at 1:30 at Chapman Church of the Nazarene.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made and sent under his name to: Indian Lake Nazarene Camp, 8258 Victory St., Vicksburg, MI 49097.
Overnight accommodations are available at Indian Lake Nazarene Camp by booking online at https://www.indianlake.camp/accommodations.html or contacting the office at 269.649.2281.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com
