Thomas William Allen

ALLEN - Thomas William, age 80 of Fenton, passed away at home, with his family by his side, on January 21, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. A funeral will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, January 25, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church located at 746 S. Saginaw Street, Flint, Michigan. Interment will follow at Glenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at the Sharp Funeral Homes - Fenton Chapel (1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton, Michigan) and from 10:00 AM until the time of service on Thursday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Tom to Adopt-A-Pet Fenton (www.adoptapetfenton.com).

Tom was born on November 26, 1943 in Flint, Michigan to the late Foster Michael and Doris Lucille (Sible) Allen. He graduated from Flint Beecher High School in 1961 and was a very proud "Buccaneer". He excelled academically and had a very successful athletic career. In his senior year, Tom was the Co-Captain of the football, basketball and baseball teams, earning a football scholarship to Hillsdale College.

Most important, in Tom's junior year at Beecher, he met and started dating Francie, who would end up being his forever best friend, and the love of his life. Tom absolutely adored Francie. They were married on September 6, 1963 at First Presbyterian Church in Flint, Michigan.

Tom’s second love was playing golf, many times puffing away on a fine stogie while enjoying the comradery of his foursome! He was also very proud of his four “holes-in-one”! For years, Tom and Francie together played at Clio, Flushing and Spring Meadows Country Clubs. “On the links” was where they developed some very meaningful, beautiful, life-long relationships, and it was where Tom and Francie had some of the best times of their lives!

Tom was the consummate husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend and colleague. He was affectionately known by family and friends as "PAPA". Family was the most important aspect of his life. He loved any activity / event that included family and friends. He loved playing / watching sports, playing euchre, landscaping, was a loyal MSU Spartan Fan, and he loved listening to music from the 60's and 70's.

He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Tom was a dedicated servant of God, 43 years at Flint Presbyterian Church, and 14 years at Fenton Presbyterian Church. Between the two churches, he was an usher, Member of the Board of Directors, an Elder and the President of the 2014 session at Fenton Presbyterian Church. In 1974, Dr. David Molyneaux (Head Minister at First Presbyterian Church), nominated Tom for inclusion into the "Outstanding Young Men of America".

On November 27, 1961, Tom hired in as an "Entry Level Clerk" at General Motors Flint Metal Center. Tom worked at nine different GM facilities, and had a very successful GM career, culminating with his last position as "Divisional Director - Industrial Relations" at the Metal Fabricating Headquarter Division in Troy, Michigan. After 39 years and six months, Tom retired from GM on April 1, 2003.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Frances. Son, Brian (Caroline) Allen of Davisburg and their children, Paul (Libby), Katie, Alex and Frankie. Daughter, Laurie (Albert) of Fenton and their children, Elizabeth and Natalie. Brother, Larry (Mary) Allen of Flushing.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Patrick; sister, Sandy.

Tributes may be shared on Tom's obituary page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com