Tommy Russell Amidon's Obituary
Tommy Russell Amidon died February 28, 2024 at the Michigan Masonic Home in Alma, Michigan. He was born November 17,1931, the only child of Leo Russell Amidon and Julia Cole. He was raised near Corunna, Michigan, and graduated from Corunna High School in 1949, where he was Senior Class President, and lettered in track and basketball. He attended both Michigan State University, and Eastern Michigan University, graduating from Eastern in later years after his children were grown. He was a long-time fan of the MSU Spartans. In 1947, he met and fell in love with Patricia Ann Barnum, of Vernon, Michigan. They were married in Vernon on June 7, 1952. They were married for 59 years, until her death in 2011.
He is survived by two children, Stevens Russell Amidon (spouse Debra Moran) of Mount Pleasant, Michigan and John Michael Amidon (spouse Sean Bailey) of Austin, Texas; two grandchildren, Timothy Russell Amidon (spouse Erin Senior) of Wellington, Colorado, and Ryan Christopher Amidon (spouse Rebecca Sullivan) 0f Manistee, Michigan; and three great-grandchildren: Cole, Ace, and Indigo.
Tommy spent 26 months in the US Navy, serving on a minesweeper out of Long Beach, California during the Korean War. After being discharged, he worked for Consumers Energy for 36 years, first as a lineman, and later as an HR director. He retired in 1987.
Tommy was a Freemason for 68 years. He served as Worshipful Master of Vernon Lodge # 279 in 1961. He was Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of Michigan in 1994, and was awarded the 33d degree of Masonry in 2009. He was also a Shriner, and belonged to several other affiliated bodies of Masonry.
Tommy was a lifelong musician, and played piano since he was seven years old. He was a jazz lover, playing in the Irving Roberts Quartet in the 1950s and 1960s. He especially loved the work of Dave Brubeck and Oscar Peterson. He also played organ, trumpet, baritone, and saxophone.
At Tommy’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Michigan Masonic Foundation, 1200 Wright Avenue, Alma, Michigan, 48801.
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