Thomas Palmer Means

Tom, the son of the late C. Palmer and Margaret (Peggy) Means, was born October 11, 1953, at Samson Air Force Base in Romulus, New York. Growing up, Tom was active in Boy Scouts and attained the rank of Eagle Scout prior to graduating in 1972 from L’Anse Creuse High School.

Tom attended Alma College where he was a member of the Kiltie Band and several other student organizations. During his senior year, he wrote a thesis which was subsequently published in a national botanical journal. After graduating Cum Laude in 1976, Tom worked at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit.

In June of 1977, Tom and Diane exchanged vows and planted roots in Shelby Twp., MI, establishing the foundation for a lifetime of shared devotion. Tom began his professional firefighting career in 1980. He spent decades as both a Firefighter and Advanced EMT before being promoted to Fire Inspector. Tom retired in January of 2008 as Deputy Fire Marshal as well as the Emergency Management Director for Shelby Twp.

A man of profound faith, Tom’s commitment to his church communities was lifelong. Wherever he lived, he dedicated his time and leadership as both a member and an Elder, serving proudly at First Presbyterian Church in Mt. Clemens, St. Thomas Community Presbyterian Church in Shelby Twp., and Chapel by the Sea in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Tom volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and traveled on many mission trips, faithfully serving as both a participant and a leader for youth trips.

Tom’s enthusiasm for life shone through his favorite pastimes, which ranged from sailing and riding horses and motorcycles, to his lifelong passions for fishing and reading. However, his greatest joy was the family he built with his wife. Tom loved spending quality time with his family, passing down his faith and timeless life lessons to his children and grandchildren.

Tom is survived by his wife, Diane Elaine Matthew Means; son, Matthew Thomas (Amy) Means of Lake Orion, MI; daughter, Meggan Means (Luke) Farwell of Green Bay, WI; five grandchildren, Nolan Robert Means, Briahna Elizabeth Means, Ian Thomas Farwell, Lyla Grace Means, and Elaine Katherine Farwell; sister Paula (Robert) Carpenter; three brothers-in-law, William (Nadine) Matthew, Richard (Susan) Matthew, and John Matthew; and a large, loving community of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who became family.

A Celebration of Life and Witness to the Resurrection will be held at St. Thomas Community Presbyterian Church, 55355 Mound Rd, Shelby Twp. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s memory to Habitat for Humanity or St. Thomas Community Presbyterian Church.