Serving West Michigan Since 1899

Thomas E. Foulkes

December 3, 1930 - March 4, 2022
Holland, MI

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Visitation

Tuesday, March 8, 2022
9:30 AM to 11:00 AM EST
Parkside Bible Church
14461 James Street
Holland, MI 49424

Service

Tuesday, March 8, 2022
11:00 AM EST
Parkside Bible Church
14461 James Street
Holland, MI 49424

Life Story / Obituary


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Thomas Edward Foulkes (December 3, 1930-March 4, 2022), aged 91, slipped quietly into eternity and leapt into the arms of his Lord and Savior after a brief and unexpected illness. Thomas was born in sunny, southern California in the midst of the depression and grew up to be part of the Greatest Generation. Due to the Godly influence of his mother and grandmother, he came to a saving knowledge of Jesus at the age of 17, which in turn called him to a life of full-time ministry. That calling led him to attend Milwaukee Bible Institute where he realized the love of studying things of the Lord and the beauty of a brunette named Jean would be more than enough to persuade him to leave sunshine and warmth for the long, dreary winters of the Midwest.

Tom, as people called him, married his beautiful bride in June 1951. Very quickly they were blessed with four children within 6 years. Tom recalls it was the example of his father-in-law—his beloved “Papa Gep”—who taught him how to be a loving husband and father. Tom loved his wife Jean deeply and we know that after seeing Jesus, his reunion with his sweet bride who passed away in 2019 was what made him most excited about Heaven.

His children always knew that if the church doors were open, they would be there serving, and Tom and Jean were thrilled when each of their children made their own decision to follow Jesus. Tom served as a pastor at a church in Cadillac, MI before settling back in the Chicago area. He retired from Reynold’s Aluminum March 1, 1993 after over 30 years of employment and he and Jean moved to Holland, MI for retirement where he became an active member of Parkside Bible Church. Though he may not have been in formal ministry after leaving his beloved church in Cadillac, MI, Tom was always serving his Savior. He taught Sunday school, served as an elder on church boards, led worship, served on the board at Grace Adventures in Mears, MI, was involved with Gideons International, and regularly preached at the Chicago Gospel Mission. In retirement, he led hymn sings at the American Home, delivered for Meals on Wheels, led small group Bible studies, and even learned how to participate in ZOOM so he could be in Bible study on Saturday mornings with his son who lives out of state! His motto was “the best ability is availability!”

In addition to serving the Lord, Tom will also be remembered for his love of dogs (a love that, unfortunately, his wife did not share). He had a large vegetable garden in his backyard in his homes in the south suburbs of Chicago and his grandchildren have great memories of “helping” him tend that garden. He loved chocolate cake, and we are sure in Heaven he is excited to eat chocolate cake and NOT have to eat asparagus! In his last few years of life, he developed close friendships with many of his neighbors, who brought him great joy as they checked on him regularly. He also bought himself a tricycle bike and could be found riding around his neighborhood last summer for exercise—and to make sure he knew the “comings and goings” of the neighborhood.

Thomas Edward Foulkes is survived by his children Cheryl (John) Tooke of Zeeland, MI, David (Gladys) Foulkes of Munster, IN, Randy (Beth) Foulkes of Dolton, IL, and Marcia (Terry) Allison of Dillsburg, PA; Grandchildren Amy (Jeff) Schams, Melissa (Luke) Wilson, Joel Tooke, Jessica Foulkes, Jim (Dorothy) Foulkes, Tim (Megan) Allison, Tory (Daisy) Allison; 14 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jean in October of 2019, grandson Michael Foulkes in March of 2017, and many other relatives, including his parents and two brothers. His “to do” list of family members to see in Heaven was long and we can only imagine the joyous reunion it must have been! Can you even imagine the joy it must have been for him to leave a frail body and receive a crown of glory!

While we as his family will miss him, we know he is face to face with Jesus. His hope is that you would also have that same assurance.

The family will receive visitors from 9:30am to 11:00am on Tuesday, March 8, at Parkside Bible Church, 14461 James Street, Holland. A funeral ceremony will take place at 11:00am at the church. Pastors Gary Spykerman and Joe Johnson presiding. Interment and a graveside service will be in Lakewood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Christian University, 1011 Aldon St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49509.

Professional service is under the auspices of the Downtown Chapel.

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