Thomas Robert Ernsberger, Sr., passed away on 2/25/2026 in Lansing, Michigan. Born on May 16, 1948, Tom led a remarkable life filled with dedication and service.

Tom served honorably in the Army National Guard, retiring after 20 years. He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant, E8. He was activated in 1991 during Desert Storm, and served at a POW camp in Saudi Arabia. While in the military, he competed in the Michigan National Guard Pistol and Machine Gun Championships, and he achieved the firearms classification of Master. Prior to his service in the National Guard, he served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve for 5 years.

Tom also served his community as a police officer for the Charter Township of Lansing, which included being deputized by the Ingham County Sheriff’s Department. He loved being a police officer. In addition, he served as the department’s arson investigator, and he was also a member of the Ingham County Underwater Search and Recovery Team.

Tom wasn’t satisfied with just serving in the military and as a police officer, he also was a volunteer fireman for Lansing Township Fire Department. There was a loud alarm at home that went off when he was called to fight fires!

After retiring from the police department, Tom worked in Loss Prevention at the Meijer Distribution Center in Lansing, and he also served as a process server.

Tom had a quirky sense of humor, and since he was called Papa by his grandchildren, his family were often amused by his many “Papa-isms,” including “o’dark thirty, slop-a-torium (a local restaurant), time to take a new look at Post Alphabets, that’s some good grease (food he liked!),” and many more.

Tom is survived by Nancy, his wife of 56 years; their children, Kerri Clawson, Thomas Ernsberger II (Lisa), and Taryn Coats; grandchildren, Haylie, Jared, and Aidan Clawson, Gala, Bela, and Ava Coats, all of whom love and miss him and treasure his memory. He is also survived by his brother, Richard (Dick) Ernsberger and Dick’s family, plus cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Laurine and Richard Ernsberger.

A service to celebrate Tom's life will be held on April 20, 2026, 1:00 p.m., at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/thoms-ernsberger-sr/obituary/

Copy