JONES, Mich. — Mr. Thomas E. "Tom" Sipress, 79, of Jones, Michigan, passed away peacefully of natural causes at his home on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017 at 9:43 a.m.

He was born in South Bend on Aug. 21, 1938 to the late Russell and Selena (Bordoff) Sipress and later married Shirley Ann Tobler on Jan. 21, 1959 in South Bend. She passed away in October after 58 wonderful years together.

Surviving are his children Denice L. Kamm of Indianapolis, Derick L. (Sally) Sipress of Jones, Michigan and Daniel L. Sipress of Bristol; nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren, with one on the way.

A brother, Keith Sipress, precedes him in death.

Pastors Tim Liechty and Jim Garnett, along with the congregation of the Mason Township Baptist Church, 20109 Mason St., Cassopolis, Michigan are honored to host Tom's celebration of life services on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017 at 1 p.m., with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Shavehead Cemetery.

Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart has been assisting the family with the arrangements.

Tom was a self-employed, self-made "jack-of-all-trades" and entrepreneur whose easy-going demeanor and friendly smile made him instantly likeable to everyone he met. He was naturally mechanically inclined, and his endless desire to do things with his hands led him to a lifetime of projects and inventions intended to make life better for those he loved. He was also generous and giving, and never passed up an opportunity to help someone in need. He loved his family, his grandchildren, his friends and his church and will be greatly missed.

"Some day, oh, some day, at those Golden Gates, I'm going home with my Lord…"

Memorial donations may be given to the Mason Township Baptist Church.