Tommy E. "Tom" Artis

Tom Artis




We are heartbroken to say that Tom Artis, 77, of Battle Creek left us on May 31, 2019 with his wife, LaVaune Artis by his side. His first priority was his wife of 56 years and his family and he loved spending time with them. He also enjoyed traveling in the RV with his wife and dogs, perfecting his BBQ techniques and working around the house.

Tom was born in Scotts Hill, TN to Marvin and Lou Ellen (Shannon) Artis on November 3, 1941. He moved to Michigan at the age of 4. Tom graduated from Plainwell High School in 1959. He married the "Love of His Life on March 11, 1963. He worked for General Motors as a tool and die maker for 32 years before retiring. He then went on to work at Flex-N-Gate, was a Security Guard for Enbridge, worked in the Meat department at Meijer before ending his career driving school bus for Dean Transportation.

Along with his wife, he leaves behind 5 children, Arthur Woody of Seymour, TN, Laura Teegarden of Culver, IN, Craig (Roxanne) Artis, Eric (Nancy) Artis and Edward Artis, all of Battle Creek; 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Tom is also survived by his brothers, Larry (Mary) Artis and Jimmy (Pam) Artis; sister-in-law, Leslie Artis; brothers-in-law, Bob (Susan) Stewart, Michael Kifer, and many nieces and nephews. He also treasured many of his grandchildren's friends as part of his family. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Bobby and Jerry Artis.

Funeral services to celebrate Tom's life will be held 12:00 noon, Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at the Seventh Day Baptist Church, 200 N. Washington Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49017, with Pastor Tim Smothers, officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:00 noon. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Memorial donations may be made to the Seventh Day Baptist Church and/or the American Lung Association. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Tom may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.