Thomas Astley

Age 85, passed away on October 1, 2024, at home in East Lansing surrounded by his entire family. The youngest of three, he was born in Lansing, Michigan, on October 21, 1938, to Howard and Ruby [Bailey]. He married his childhood sweetheart, Barbara [Folkers], in 1960. They had just celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary days before his death. She, and their four children, Michael, Christopher, Andrew, and Emma, survive him.

Tom and Barbara grew up together in East Lansing. They each attended East Lansing High School. They continued their romantic journey in Ann Arbor, where they both received B.A. degrees from the University of Michigan. Subsequently, Tom served as an officer with the United States Army in Munich, West Germany. After the birth of Michael, they returned to East Lansing. Once stateside, Chris and Andrew were born. After building his career in Michigan, Tom moved his business to the East Coast. Emma joined the family in Massachusetts. After retiring, Tom and Barbara returned to East Lansing.

Tom began his work experience part-time at Young Bros & Daley and started to forge his financial career while employed by Investors Diversified Services and First of Michigan. For the majority of his business life, he served as President of The Wellesley Group.

Known for their eclectic homes, Tom and Barbara were avid travelers and loved collecting art. They were active members of the community. They were founding members of Montessori Radmoor School and the Opera Company of Greater Lansing. On weekends they enjoyed spending time with family on the Astley Farm in Grand Ledge. And much of their summer free time was spent at Glen Lake.

Tom was a father, friend, and role model to his children – Michael, Christopher, Andrew, and Emma. Tom was adored by his grandchildren – Edie and Ingrid (Chris and Amy [Taran]), Ben, Maggie, and Charlotte (Andrew and Kristen [Stark]). Tom was predeceased by his loving sisters, Joanna [Pease] and Laura [Ives], as well as his nephew Ken [Ives]. He was very fond of his nieces and nephews – Kathy, Barbie, Rocky, Libby [Pease], and Mark [Ives].

Tom’s family will miss his jokes, laughter, sensitivity, and his optimism.

There will be no service.

Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at: www.cancer.org.

Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.