Tommy was born July 23, 1941 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Joseph B Sr and Dorotha Cross.
He worked for the Fort Custer State Home, the Coldwater State Home and retired as a manager of the Battle Creek State Liquor Commission. 

 Thomas was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on February 16, 1963 and served as an elder from the 60’s to present. He worked as a volunteer for many years with the Regional Building Committee, serving hundreds of people, including in the disaster relief in Gulfport, Miss. and New Orleans, La.
He loved teaching people the Bible and assisted many people in coming to know Jehovah God and his promises. He loved helping people in need, taking people in and was like a second father to many. He was a very patient, caring, loving, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle.  Much to the dismay of his children, he loved country music. He loved going to listen and dance to live music, with the love of his life, Vonnie. Tommy loved to have fun and share his humor, including giving many nicknames. He loved attending family reunions, catching up with those he hadn’t seen since the year before. Tommy loved his family dearly and was very proud of each one of them. He also loved playing baseball and basketball, as well as faithfully watching the Tigers, Pistons and Lions, even getting his wife to enjoy watching with him. 

Thomas was preceded in death by both parents, son Jeff, sisters, Trudi, Pat, Carol, Linda and brother Joseph Barton Jr. He leaves to cherish his memory, wife of 57 years Vonnie, son, Thomas (Kimona), daughters, Connie (Nemiah) and Jennifer, grandchildren, Dana, Coiya and Jermaine, great grandchildren, Jayden, Mia, Jacob, Cidney, Donovan and Jaxon, brothers Charles (Marcia) and David (Beverly), as well as a whole host of nieces, nephews, cousins and life long friends.  

 A Zoom memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. If you would like to attend, please contact the family for the login information.