Thomas L. Lasky

Mr. Thomas Lavern Lasky, age 71, of Martin died Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at his residence after a long illness.

Mr. Lasky leaves behind his wife and best friend of 35 years, Sue Ann Gross Lasky of Martin; his daughters, Kimberly (Allen) Page of Martin and Robyn (Thomas, III) Naughton of Oak Ridge, TN; his son, Christopher Knouff of Oak Ridge, TN; two sisters, Sandy Barrus and Cindy (Dan) Weaver both of Jackson, MI; four grandchildren, Brendan Page, Connor Page, Thomas Naughton, IV and Catherine Naughton.

He was preceded in death by his father, LaVern Lasky; his step-father Roy Donnelly; his mother, Bettie Wilson Donnelly.

Born and raised in Jackson, MI, Tom graduated from Jackson High School, Class of 1963. Tom loved baseball and was a talented player with a great arm. He played on baseball and softball teams long into adulthood.

Soon after graduation, Tom earned an associate degree from Jackson Community College. He then began working at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Jackson, MI, where he honed his skills as a mechanic. In 1983 he had the opportunity to transfer to Goodyear in Union City, TN. He and his family chose to live in Martin, and he and his wife worked and thrived in the community for 34 years. He retired from Goodyear with 36 years of service.

Tom loved to spend time with his family. He especially loved to travel. He took his mother, Bettie and along with his wife, ventured to Alaska on a cruise. His mother passed away soon after, but Tom was emphatic on making memories with his loved ones. He continued the tradition by taking yearly trips to the coasts of South Carolina and Florida with his wife, children and extended family.

He recently traveled twice to Europe – once to Ireland and more recently, to explore his roots in Scotland and England. He and Sue had a merry adventure, and he had many tales of finding his ancestors and locating their birthplaces.

Tom was very social and loved to bring a smile to everyone he met. He also had a passion for animals, and was especially kind to rescued cats. He adopted countless strays and made them family. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials to Red Fern Animal Shelter in Dresden, TN are encouraged.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held Monday, July 10, 2017, 6:00 P.M. at St. Jude Catholic Church in Martin with Deacon Rodney Freed officiating. Visitation will begin at 5:00 P.M. on Monday until service time.