Thomas Wesley Sidnam

We remember, reflect, and celebrate the life of Thomas Sidnam, age 84, who passed on Friday, February 6, 2026.

There are so many ways to describe Tom’s life— a son, brother, husband, uncle, father/dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and teammate. Where does it end? The simple answer is: it doesn’t. Tom was so many things to so very many people during his time here.

Tom attended Battle Creek Central High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society and proudly participated in both the football and baseball teams. Tom was a co-captain of the football team, played on the varsity baseball team, and was also on the wrestling team. During his years at Central, he developed a strong work ethic, lasting friendships, and a love for teamwork that stayed with him throughout his life, playing soft ball, and bowling later in life. He remained a devoted Bearcat alumnus, taking great pride in his school and finding special joy in watching his own children—and later, some of his grandchildren—carry on the Bearcat tradition.

After graduation, Tom became a proud member of UA Local 335 now 333 Plumbers, Pipefitters, HVAC Mechanics. He dedicated many years to his trade, earning the respect of his coworkers through his skill, reliability, and strong work ethic, before retiring in 2003.

Tom was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church where he was formerly a member of the Vestry, an usher, acolyte and involved in numerous activities.

He was truly a blessed man. He married Beverly 3/29/63 and together they raised three sons: Todd, Bradley, and Jerry. Beverly preceded Tom in death in 1981, While that chapter of his life ended in loss, it was far from the end of Tom’s story.

In fact, it marked the beginning of an unexpected and wonderful new season—one filled with fresh joy, renewed purpose, and all of life’s ups and downs. Tom reconnected with an old school-age friend and flame, Noreen, who herself had recently experienced the loss of her husband in 1986, You could call it coincidence, or timing—but those who knew them would simply call it fate.

Two people, shaped by love and loss, found one another again and began a new chapter side by side. Together, Tom and Noreen blended their families into one of nine adult children, creating a home filled with laughter, stories, and love that only grew with time.

And if you think the story ends there—think again. Tom’s life continued to expand through grandchildren (24) and great-grandchildren (34), friendships that spanned decades, and moments both big and small that left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to know him.

Tom lived a life rooted in connection. He showed us that love doesn’t have an expiration date, that family can grow in the most unexpected ways, and that every chapter—no matter how late it begins—can be one of the most meaningful.

No matter how you slice it, if you knew Tom, you understand exactly what it means to say he had a loud, truly heartfelt laugh — the kind that filled a room and made everyone else smile along with him. At the same time, he was never afraid to fiercely debate a topic he felt passionate about. Tom stood his ground, spoke his mind, and respected a good discussion just as much as a good laugh.

Tom was a fisherman to his core. The water was where he felt most at home. He loved the Great Lakes, the rivers, and especially Lake Michigan. He made sure everyone knew about the catch of the day — what they were biting on, where they were running, and why today was the day you should’ve been out there. He would do almost anything to be on Lake Michigan during steelhead season.

He also found joy in simple, hands-on pleasures and the quiet satisfaction of making something work just right. He loved settling in with a good jigsaw puzzle, spending hours fitting pieces together with patience and care. He enjoyed the rhythm and community of square dancing, always appreciating the music and movement it brought into his life. A natural tinkerer, he took pride in making lamps out of bottles and carefully adding hooks to fishing lures, combining creativity with practicality—especially when it came to fishing, one of his favorite pastimes.

Through his time with the Steelheaders Club, Tom forged countless friendships that went far beyond fishing. These were bonds built early mornings, cold hands, shared stories, and mutual respect — friendships that lasted a lifetime.

And if you ever spent time on the water with Tom, then you know. You know the stories, the laughter, the debates, the pride in a good day’s catch, and the quiet moments of appreciation for the beauty around him. You know that fishing wasn’t just a hobby for Tom — it was part of who he was.

He is survived by; His wife of 39 years Noreen. His children, Todd (Birgitte), Bradley (Kaye), Jerry (Tina), Julie (Alan) Seifke, Diana Lea, Michael Graham, Stephen (Sheila) Graham, Chantelle (James) Bailey, Jodi (Ken) Nickerson. 24 grandchildren 34 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his first wife, Beverly, Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Philo A. and Louise Pauline (Childs) Sidnam; two brothers, Burton Sidnam, Philip Sidnam and a sister, Karen Adkins.

Tom taught us how to love deeply, laugh loudly, argue honestly, and live fully. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the friends he made, and the memories we will carry with us always.

Today, we don’t just say goodbye. We give thanks for a life well lived, deeply loved, and richly shared.

Friends will be received 4:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. Funeral services will be officiated by The Very Reverend Michael P. Spencer 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 12, 2026, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Committal and interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 16 E. Van Buren St., Battle Creek, MI 49017 or Centrica Care Navigators Hospice, 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009.

Personal messages for Tom's family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.