Thomas Allen Vander Wall Sr.

Family … that is what was most important to Tom during his entire life no matter where he was, what he was doing, or who he was with. Family was the core of his existence.

Tom was born to Leslie and Fannie (Westhoff) Vander Wall in Grand Haven. He was baptized in the Christian Reformed Church.

JoAnn and Steve joined their big brother in many adventures of play, school, and growing up into adults.

Tom graduated from Holland High School in 1968 and pursued his love of driving semi truck.

Tom and Sarah Jane Bristol began their journey 50 years ago in July and became husband and wife on October 23, 1976, in Spring Lake. They built a life that revolved around their children – Jeannie Lynn, Jamie Sue, Thomas Allen (Jr), Jaqueline Joy, and Peggy JoAnne.

Tom drove truck across our great Country for over 40 years when he finally retired from Premier Freight of Holland in 2021.

Tom enjoyed tinkering with almost anything that would challenge him. He was a very versatile handyman who also enjoyed rebuilding motors, dune buggies, and lawn mowers and gardening. Tom also refurbished a 1947 IH Farmall Tractor.

Tom was a member of the Sons of the Charles A. Conklin American Legion Post # 28 and Antique Farm Power Club.

When Tom left this earth, he left behind a legacy that will live on through Sarah, his children – Thomas Allen, Jr (Margaret), Jacqueline (Adam) Phillips, and Peggy (Christopher) Hoisington. He also had 6 grandchildren – Thomas Allen III (Sarah) and his two girls, Abbie Miller and her three boys, Jonathan Hoisington, Andrew Vander Wall, Laura Vander Wall, and Leslie Vander Wall and he had 4 great-grandchildren – Kinsley and Carter Vander Wall and Killian, Kaison, and Caspian Miller. His shenanigans and humor will be missed by his many brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

JoAnn (Robert) Harderwijk and Steve Vander Wall will miss their brother dearly.

Tom has reunited with his dad, mom, twin daughters Jeannie Lynn and Jamie Sue, and many other family members and friends as his presence and spirit remains with us.

Tom's wish for cremation has taken place and a service celebrating his life will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, July 19, 2024, at The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.

The family requests gifts of remembrance be provided to Corewell Hospice or the Antique Farm Power Club.