Thomas Allen Cleeves Obituary (1949

Thomas Allen Cleeves, born on April 14, 1949 passed away on June 27th 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona at age 62. Son of Kenneth and Geraldine (Finch) Cleeves, Tom was born and raised in Eaton Rapids and Graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1967. He then attended Bob Jones University. He loved Photography and Videography and sought a career in Television. After University, he worked locally for Channels 6 & 10, then landed his dream job for the ABC News affiliate, Channel 7 in Detroit. He worked as a Cameraman and Video Editor for 25 years. During his career, he worked on Stage shows with big name stars, documentaries and Local and National News. He was a talented artist and was even given an Emmy Award for his work at Channel 7 in 1979 and was also able to film an African Safari which was another of his lifelong dreams. An Avid Outdoorsman, Tom loved to hunt and fish and also worked for many years doing onsite camera work with Jerry Chiapetta on 'Michigan Outdoors'. Tom was a Believer in Christ and enjoyed sharing God's love with others. He had a big and loving heart and loved his family very much. He always made an effort to visit and bring together even his extended family and friends for reunions and gatherings. Those memories will stay with us all. Tom is survived and dearly missed by his 3 children, Kevin (Brandi) Cleeves of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, Lisa (Pawel) Piotrowski of Eaton Rapids, Michigan and Laura Cleeves Schroeder of Chandler, Arizona. Also his Parents, Kenneth and Gerry Cleeves, Sister Cathy (Tad) Cook, Brother Jim (Brenda) Cleeves, 2 beautiful Granddaughters, Leia (Kevin) and Hannah (Lisa), Nephews, Nieces, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and many friends. Memorial Services for Tom are to be held on Saturday, September 10th at 2pm at The First Baptist Church of Eaton Rapids. In Lieu of Flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the church, in memory of Thomas Cleeves.