Tom Shaver

Thomas Joe Shaver, a cherished husband, son, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to so many, left this world too soon at the age of 66. He’s preceded by his mother Claire, father Lyle, father-in-law Robert Atkinson, brother-in-law Kirk Shewchuck, nephew Lucas Atkinson, and great niece Spencer Masternak.  He is survived by his wife Teresa and two children Autumn (Drew) McDonald and Tom (Meghan) Shaver who he loved dearly; grandchildren, Corbin (Emily), Kira, Kira, Brody, Chloe and great grandchildren, Finn, Sage, and Jasper, all of whom he absolutely adored.  He is also survived by his beloved stepmother Darlene, and mother-in-law Barbara, as well as siblings, Terry (Earl) Mason, Bud (Nancy) Shaver, Bonnie (Roy) Rennirt, Pam Shaver, Chris (Scott) Brown, Todd (JoLynn) Peck, Matt Peck, John Atkinson and Mike (Ann) Atkinson.

Tom was born on September 4^th, 1958, in Lansing, Michigan.  He graduated from Holt High School in 1976 and married his High School sweetheart Terri Atkinson on February 27^th, 1977. He started working at General Motors at the age of 17.  He quickly earned his way into the skilled trades and became a Millwright, which requires time and precision. Like he always said, “I’m not the best, but I am the slowest”.   He enjoyed his job and gained many cherished friendships in his time at GM.

He had a gentle spirit and was so kind to everyone, including strangers.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand when help was needed.  He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed deer hunting, morel mushroom hunting, berry picking in the UP, and ripping through the forest on any ATV.  He loved listening and singing to music and those who were lucky enough to hear him sing would know.  He loved to cook and was known for his famous burritos and venison steak breakfasts.

He found strength in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  One of his favorite sayings was, “Thank you Jesus” and he would point up to the sky.  During his yearlong battle with cancer, in which he fought so hard, he never complained, not even once.  He handled everything with grace.  We’d like to thank everyone with the Lansing Karmanos Care Team for their compassionate care and support along the way, especially Dr. Saleem, MD.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 7910 W. St. Joseph Hwy., Lansing, where his family will begin receiving guests at 9:30 a.m.  Burial will take place on Wednesday, April 23, in Clare, Michigan.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church, The V Foundation for Cancer Research, or to Leader Dogs for the Blind in memory of Tom Shaver.