Thomas Christopher Oberlin, age 55, born in Owosso, Michigan, passed away peacefully in his home with his loving wife, Trish at his side on January 27, 2025 after a long battle with Glioblastoma.

Tom is best known for his outstanding sense of humor, funny T-shirts, his musical talents (singing karoake, drums, guitar), his beloved 1977 Corvette that he rebuilt, his love of the Michigan Wolverines, his love of Star Wars and Batman, his great impressions of basically every line in Caddyshack, collecting baseball cards/stamps/magazines/star wars toys, his dogs, and he especially loved his role as “PeePaw” to his grandchildren Miles and Briggs.

Some highlights from Tom's full life include:

• Tom graduated from Waverly High School, in Lansing in 1987. He went on to study at Lansing Community College and Central Michigan University.   He studied Fire Science and Geology.

• After being diagnosed with Glioblastoma in September 2022, Tom immediately started training for a half-marathon with his brother Gary that was held in Las Vegas in February 2023. It was a memorable trip with his sisters Sara and Shelly; niece Reva; and mom.

• In 1988, he painted his Plymouth Volare wagon black and put gigantic Batman symbols on it and drove all around town.  Tom was a batman enthusiast and did this during the premier of the first Batman movie.  He and his car were featured on the local news.

• Tom was a proud manager at the Portage Fed Ex station. He loved his employees and it’s clear they loved him.

• Tom and his brother Gary took many memorable trips together including motorcycle trips across the U.S, and Mexico; and Spain.  He also enjoyed going up to Higgens Lake with friends; cruises in the Caribbean with family; and annual trips to Las Vegas with his close friend Doug Wood.

• Tom owned his own Domino's pizza store and he would invite his nieces and nephew to the store to make pizzas. Tom knew how to create great memories for the kids.

• Tom once won a singing contest on a cruise with his wife. As a result, he was the headline performer for the entire cruise at the final dinner show.  He sang Frank Sinatra’s “I did it my way” – isn’t that appropriate?

• Tom and his brother Gary were often requested to sing “Endless Love” (yes the version with Lionel Richie and Diana Ross) at weddings. It was really funny to watch, but if you weren't watching, you'd think it was Lionel and Diana!

• Throughout Tom’s childhood, he played soccer, football, and was a runner in Track and Field. He ran in many races. He also used to run from our home all the way down to the Lansing Capital and back (10 miles).

• Shhhhh… Tom used to do donuts with his corvette in parking lots, especially if anyone wanted to go for a ride with him.

• Drums – known for his talent in playing the difficult drum piece in Tom Sawyer.

• Tom was a handyman and enjoyed working on vehicles and construction projects.

When Tom was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, he was determined to beat it and thought he really could. He maintained his strength and sense of humor through it all. It was important to him to make sure everyone else around him felt his positive vibes. He was a true inspiration to all.

Tom is survived by his wife Trish Oberlin, his sons Kenny (Brittany) and Eric (Corie) Lawrence, his grandchildren Miles and Briggs Lawrence, his father Gary Oberlin (Sandy), his mother Vicki Oberlin, his siblings Shelly Carter, Gary Oberlin and Sara Oberlin; his nieces and nephews Conlan and Kaitlyn Carter, Reva Oberlin; Owen and Olivia Teran; Aiden Oberlin; and many many other family and friends.

We have many people to thank in their support of Tom.   His cousin Chris Mikan for travelling with his band from Pennsylvania to Michigan to perform in Tom's honor; the FedEx family for all of their incredible donations and friendship; everyone who volunteered to drive Tom to his medical appointments near and far; everyone who donated financial help and sent prayers.  And most importantly, we'd like to thank his wife Trish.  Without a doubt, Tom would not have lived as long as he did without his wife Trish tirelessly working to get him into available clinical trials, securing doctors, medical equipment, and or other alternative medicines.  We would not have enjoyed Tom as long as we did without her efforts.

Tom frequently said he "felt the love" during this entire ordeal, thanks to everyone giving their love and support.

The family would like to express deep gratitude for all of the wonderful support they’ve received from all family members, close friends, former co-workers, neighbors, and classmates. 

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 8 @ 3:00 pm at the Delta Presbytarian Church, 6100 Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan 48917.   Donations to your local animal shelter in lieu of flowers would be preferred.

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