Thomas M. Ahearn

Thomas M. Ahearn Sr. 55, of St. Joseph, a loving husband, father and grandfather, died Saturday, July 31, 2004, in Southern Indiana in a motorcycle accident. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Stevensville United Methodist Church, 5506 Ridge Road, Stevensville, with the Rev. B. Gordon Barry officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery, where military rites will be conducted. Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home, American Cancer Society and Disabled Veterans Association. Friends wishing to send a condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Tom was born on Dec. 24, 1948, in Muskegon, Mich., to Robert and Christine (Kammers) Ahearn. He grew up in Muskegon, where he attended school. He graduated with a business degree from Grand Valley State University. Tom served his country during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was moved to the Twin City area by J.C. Penney’s to close the Benton Harbor store and open the Orchard Mall store in 1979. He also owned Subway Restaurant in the area for 15 years and was president of Ahearn Investments Inc. He owned real estate in the area and recently was a partner in Bartering Partners. On July 13, 1985, Tom married Cynthia Washburn at the Stevensville United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Cindy; son, Thomas (Renee) Ahearn of Indianapolis; daughter, Tiffany (Kevin) McCrary of Muskegon; four grandchildren — Kevin, Kayligh, Nolan and Andrew; his mother, Christine Ahearn of Muskegon; two sisters — Regina Ahearn of Muskegon and Patricia Umlor of Fruitport, Mich.; two brothers — Robert Ahearn of Muskegon and Mike Ahearn of Hawaii; and his mother in law and father in law JoAnn and Richard Washburn. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert; and a sister, Kathleen Kandalec. Tom loved life and having fun and always was ready for a good adventure.