Thomas Earl Hancock

Thomas “Tom” E. Hancock, of Sheridan, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Thursday, August 20, 2015, at the age of 78.

The 10th of 11 children, Tom was born in Detroit, the son of Albert & Katherine (Bennett) Hancock. All of Tom’s siblings, Victoria, Alice, Betty, Edith, Patricia, Mary, William, James, Charles & Jack have preceded him in death, in addition to his parents.

On September 21, 1957, Tom married the love of his life, Marilyn (Jensen) and the two were inseparable, doing everything together until her passing on February 3, 2009.

Surviving Tom are three daughters, Kathy & Al Moore of Hubbardston, Karen & Robert Youngs of Belding, Kim Hancock of Battle Creek; two sons, Thomas II & Holly Hancock of East Leroy and David Hancock of Sheridan; sixteen grandchildren, Gabe & Stacy Moore, Josh & Heather Moore, Justin & Erin Moore, Cassie Youngs & Keegan Rice, Katie & Brett Sanford, Kara Youngs, Haley & Jacob Jackson, Brady Hancock, Karlee Hancock and Macy Hancock; ten Great Grandchildren, Deagan Moore, Farren Moore, Kinley Moore, Evie Moore, Lincoln Moore, Cole Sanford, Hannah Sanford, Wyatt Sanford, Davey Kern, Adelin Rice and Monroe Rice. Tom is also survived by some very special family members, Chuck & Charlene Cilibraise, Dick Chapin and many special nieces, nephews and cousins.

Saying Tom was passionate about sports, might be putting it mildly. As a youth, Tom participated in a variety of sports, including football, baseball and basketball. As an adult, Tom continued to play baseball and softball and was a registered official with the MHSAA for 53 years. Tom was a retired Michigan Department of Corrections Officer who worked for the Michigan Reformatory for 26 years. Tom could also be found attending his kids and grandkids sporting events. He was a great family man and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation with Tom’s family will be on Sunday, August 23, 2015 from 4-7 PM at the Simpson Family Funeral Home in Sheridan and also on Monday, August 24, 2015 from 10-11 AM.

Funeral services for Tom are being held on Monday, August 24, 2015, at the Simpson Family Funeral Home in Sheridan, beginning at 11 AM, with two of his nephews, Father Michael Cilibraise and Pastor Jeff Russell officiating. Graveside services are being held at the Sheridan Cemetery.

For those wanting to make a memorial donation in Tom’s memory, Tom asked that donations be made to his family to help with his medical expenses from his fight with cancer with a portion being donated to the Ionia Area Hospice.