Tom A. Croxton

After a 95-year, love-filled life, Tom A. Croxton passed away on October 1. Tom grew up in New Richmond and Mt. Washington, Ohio, and went on to earn two graduate degrees from the University of Michigan, where he spent 37 years as a professor at the School of Social Work.

When asked how he wanted to be remembered, Tom said, “As a loving husband, a cool (most of the time) father, a generous, empathetic man, and maybe one with a modicum of wisdom.” He was all that and so much more.

Tom and his wife, Judy, shared an extraordinary love that was evident to everyone around them. His friends and family also remember him for his humor, kindness, intelligence, thoughtfulness, and the way he put people at ease. They remember the twinkle in his blue eyes, his frequent whistling, and his goofy but blissful look when he danced with Judy. He enjoyed reading, traveling, golfing, hunting for rocks along Lake Michigan, and taking his family out in the rowboat, The Sieve, for a deep-water swim. Or perhaps it was his family who enjoyed those swims, and he happily took them out because it brought them joy. With Tommy, it was often hard to tell the difference. He loved his family deeply and was a steadying presence in their lives. Those who miss him include his wife, Judy; his children, Jim (Anne), David (Clarie), and Keely (Steven); his grandchildren, Mickey, Kyle, Lauren, and Marley; and his great-granddaughter, Sienna. Also, the son of the late Mark and Virginia Croxton (nee White) and brother of the late John W. (the late Jean) Croxton, survived by several nieces and nephews.

We were fortunate to have him in our lives for so long. We know he lives on in each of us, and for that, we are deeply grateful. Service at the convenience of the family.