Thomas S. Middleton, 82, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2019. He was at home in Bowling Green, surrounded by family and a wonderful array of caregivers.
Tom was born in Bowling Green. After a short stint as a lumberjack in northern California, he returned home to be with his high school sweetheart. Tom and Sandie were married in 1957, and were together until her death in November 2018.
Tom entered his father’s law firm in 1963, and they practiced together until 1993. That year, his dad retired and his son Staten stepped in. Tom and Staten worked side by side until his death.
An adventurer by nature, Tom traveled the country on a motorcycle, and knew practically every scenic highway there was to find. The Smoky Mountain National Park was a particular favorite. He had no problem driving a couple of hours for dinner with whoever was willing to go along for the ride. He flew airplanes for a time, and loved boating on Lake Erie and elsewhere. In recent years, he and Sandie spent part of the winter in Miramar Beach, Florida, a trip he could still make in one day, when she would let him.
In addition to golf, Tom played pool – one-handed. He also loved playing table games. He knew the point count of every cribbage hand without counting.
In his work, and in his personal life, Tom was a very generous and thoughtful person, and treated everyone with integrity and respect. He might deliver a meal, take in a neighbor’s mail, or offer a ride. He took note of what people needed, and tried to fill the void. Many people who have expressed their condolences have said that he “did so much” for them. To him, it was just how you behaved toward people. And he did it all with a great sense of humor.
Tom will be greatly missed by his sister, Mona Short (Richard) of Ann Arbor, his son Staten, his daughter Gayle and son-in-law Jeffrey Silverstein, and his grandchildren Mitchell Silverstein and his partner Bethany Henneberry, and Max Silverstein.
A celebration of Tom’s life will take place in the spring. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Dunn Funeral Home in Bowling Green.
Friends who wish to honor Tom’s memory may consider donations to his favorite charities, Habitat for Humanity of Wood County Ohio, Inc. and Cherry Street Mission Ministries, of Toledo.
To share an online condolence or fond memory with the Middleton family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
