Don C. Thoms

Don Charles Thoms was born on May 17, 1947 in Detroit, MI, and died on September 18, 2024, at Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods.

Don will be remembered as a man of deep devotion. He became a follower of Jesus in his 20’s and was always grateful for the changes his faith brought to his life. He was committed to deep study and contemplation of the scriptures and desired to understand and be guided by them.

Out of his faith came love, appreciation and constant care for Karen, his wife of 45 years. Don was a committed father. He became a father by choice to Dawn when he and Karen married, and later when they had Erica together. Both girls will remember him as a steady presence, seeking to raise them well and doing projects and art with them. He supported their education and development by taking them to plays for date nights, a tradition he continued with the grandkids. Don would often busy himself quietly doing what he could to assist, improve, and provide a good life for Karen and their girls. His artistry created a home full of beauty.

His devotion continued to many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He sought to pass on his faith and skills to them. Don often served them by sharing his time and talents. His grandchildren will remember him as quiet, creative and funny. He was devoted to the church body and community, and his home was often opened to others with the hospitality of meals, conversation, games, and fellowship. There were times when family and friends even moved in for a while during a time of transition or when they needed to get back on their feet. In short, Don created with Karen a home where family and friends were loved well in word and deed.

Don will also be remembered as a commissioned artist and master craftsman who often gifted his work to family, friends and the church. He created beautifully with great attention to detail in every medium he devoted himself to including woodworking, stained glass and mosaics, copper relief, leather goods, paintings and drawings.

Don was a lifelong learner and had a passion for reading and thinking deeply on both Christian and contemporary issues. He was largely self-educated in his many areas of expertise. He was a natural teacher seeking to share with others the things he had learned through his own study.

Don was pre-deceased by his parents, three sisters and a brother. He is survived by his wife Karen, daughters Dawn (Rick) VanHorn, Erica (Josh) Bode, grandchildren Jenna (Mira), Jaclyn, Jillian, Juliette, Joelle, Gabe, Ruby, Jarolyn, Nahum, Alex, Nevan, great-grandchildren Luna, Zayne, Dimitri, and Emri, his sister Rita West, and many nieces and nephews.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, children, extended family, longtime friends, and church family.

At Don's celebration of life we will share memories and have lunch together. It will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 28th at North Kent Bible Church at 7210 Courtland Dr. NE, Rockford MI 49341.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Matthew's House Ministry in memory of Don. https://matthewshouseministry.org/