Thomas Edward "Tom" Cavender

Tom's Obituary

Thomas Edward Cavender, age 79, of St. Joseph, Michigan, formerly of Madison Heights, where he spent the majority of his life, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, December 21, 2025.

Tom was born in Hamtramck, Michigan, to Alvin Mathias Cavender and Wilma Listone Wells.

On March 30, 1968, Tom married the love of his life, Connie Marie Jackson. Together they shared 57 years of marriage and were blessed with two children: Russ Edward Cavender of St. Joseph, Michigan, and Cindy Marie Cavender Richards (Steven), also of St. Joseph. Tom was a proud grandfather to Luke Richards and Jacob Richards.

Tom's siblings include Mable Combs (Carl), Peggy Stewart Lawrence (John), Alvin Cavender (Pat), Bobby Cavender (June), Billie Cavender (Karen), Harvey Cavender (Clara), Helen Schuler (Chet), and David Cavender (Sandy). He was also blessed with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

In addition to his immediate family, Tom embraced many others as his own, including Craig Orlando; Chris and Teresa McEachran and their family; Tom and Lisa Weill and their family; and Stephen, Dawnette, Charles, and Norman Dobson. He also poured his heart and his life into the lives of countless children and families as a faithful Sunday school bus driver, showing up week after week for those entrusted to his care. Beyond that, Tom gave himself fully to the youth and families of the Royal Oak, Evergreen, and Utica Churches of God of Prophecy, as well as Kamp Ki-O-Ki. These were not places he simply attended or served. They were people he embraced, invested in, and loved through years of quiet sacrifice and faithful presence.

In his younger years, Tom worked alongside his father building fences. He later worked at Rochester Manufacturing and went on to serve the City of Madison Heights, where he worked as Head of the Custodial Department and then in the Parks and Recreation Department, and Sanitation.

Above all else, Tom loved his family. He was a faithful and loving husband, father, and Papa. He was supportive, generous, and always made room for others at his table. A life spent giving without keeping score, his steady faithfulness and sacrifice for others will continue to carry forward.

Tom is survived by his wife, Connie Cavender; his son, Russ Cavender; and his grandsons, Luke and Jacob Richards. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Cindy Richards; his parents; and his siblings.

Tom is now home. Reunited with those who went before him and, most importantly, in the presence of his Savior for eternity.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Safe Harbor Church, 3552 S. Pipestone Rd., Sodus, MI 49126, on January 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Tom's remains will be laid to rest in the columbarium at Hickory Bluff Cemetery, located at 4290 Cleveland Avenue, Stevensville, Michigan, near his beloved daughter, Cindy Richards. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation service. Those wishing to leave an online condolence at www.starks-menchinger.com