Dew, Thomas E.
2/13/1947 - 8/10/2024
Ann Arbor
Thomas E. Dew, age 77, born February 13, 1947, to Albert 'Jack" and Irene (Morris) Dew in Detroit, Michigan, left this earth for his heavenly home on Saturday, August 10, 2024, after a brief illness. Surrounded by his most treasured and precious loved ones, he left his earthly body and was healed completely in heaven on the most beautiful sunny August afternoon in Michigan.
Tom grew up playing by the creek in the woods with his close friends in Farmington Hills, Michigan. He attended Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School for grades one through eight, and he proudly graduated from Detroit Catholic Central High School. Tom wore his CC blue and white from time to time, but also his CC pride showed on every vehicle he ever owned.
After high school, Tom went on to graduate from the University of Michigan in 1969, where he met the love of his life, Gail, of Grosse Ile. They were married in 1970 and spent an amazing 54 years together, loving each other through it all. Tom went on to work for the IRS while he attended the Detroit College of Law (now Michigan State University Law School), graduating in 1974 with his Juris Doctor.
Tom had an exceptional SO-year-long career as a business, probate, and estate attorney in his all-time favorite city in the world, Ann Arbor, Michigan. His entire life he bled Maize & Blue! Tom was a partner of three law firms over the years: in Ann Arbor, Dever & Dew and Wise & Marsac, and in Detroit, Berry Morman, before going into private practice back in Ann Arbor. Tom gave time endlessly, not only to his family and friends but to the entire Ann Arbor community in so many ways. He also taught for several years at Ave Maria College of Law and the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, besides teaching at the American Institute of Paralegal Studies and the American College of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. He was a frequent lecturer, law investigator, chairperson for various groups, and former trustee of the Ann Arbor Community Foundation. He has belonged to several groups within the legal community and was named a Fellow of the Michigan State Bar Foundation. In 2022, Tom was awarded the Albert Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who's Who and has been cited in close to 20 editions of Who's Who, including Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who in America, and Who's Who in the World. He absolutely loved working in law and using his expertise to help others.
Tom was dedicated to his church, serving as an elder and on many boards over the years, as well as being involved in numerous community organizations. Most recently being involved with the opening of the newest classical Christian academy in Washtenaw County, where he gave selflessly of his expertise and knowledge. He just found joy in all he did.
In 1983, many prayers were answered, and Christina Marie was born; then, in 1990, Brian Justin completed the Dew Family. Tom was just simply the best. A doting daddy to his baby girl and a proud, strong father for his son. He was their best friend, one that always answered when they called, had the greatest sense of humor, and was just always, always there no matter what. Tom emulated Jesus; he was the true example of how to love, how to show up, and who to be. His family has had the greatest example, and for that they are so grateful.
Tom had a great sense of humor, enjoyed people, and could easily talk to anyone. Everywhere we went, he knew someone-even across the world he'd run into someone he knew somehow! He loved his games-whether UM football, basketball, or hockey to digital, historical miniature model wargaming, or computer games-he was always up for playing a family game! Tom treasured his family and especially had a one-of-a-kind relationship with his oldest grandson. All he wanted was for all of them to be happy, healthy, caring Christians that found God's purpose for their lives, and he would go to the ends of the earth for that. He always had a book he was reading, a show he was watching, sports he was looking forward to seeing, or a trip he was thinking about.
Tom is survived by his wife of 54 years of marriage, Gail; their two children, Christy (Bob) Seefeld of Ann Arbor and Brian (partner, Arlene Vanoort) of North Carolina; his two adored and treasured grandsons, Ashton Dew, who will proudly carry Tom's name with him; and Jackson Kuhns, both of Ann Arbor. Tom is also survived by his beloved older brother, John (Marsha) of Florida; his precious younger sister, Mary Carol Main, of Interlachen; nieces, Mari Dew, Julie (Chris) Warren, and son Colton; Kelly (Jeff) Royston and daughter Julia; his beloved goddaughter and niece, Daryl (Alan) Perry, all of Traverse City; nephews, Tim Main of Detroit, David Leone and his daughter Johnna; his beloved sister-in-law Carol (Jack) Armstrong, all of Arizona; and many, many other beloved family members and close friends who he loved dearly.
Tom continues to leave a ripple: the stories we've heard, the faith that has been seen. Tom truly will live on in all of the lives he touched. He passed away after a brief illness, yet knowing and believing in Philippians 1:21, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
Please help Tom's family celebrate him!
A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2024, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Nie Family Funeral Home, Liberty Chapel, 3767 W. Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor, Ml 48103. A funeral service will take place on Monday, August 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 4205 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, Ml 48108.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tom's memory to the Washtenaw Classical Fund by mail to P.O. Box 374, Dexter, Ml 48130.
The family wishes to thank the Scio Township Fire Dept., HVA, and WCSO for their exceptional response time and support, the University of Michigan Critical Care Emergency team, including Dr. Scott and his PA, Dr. Clark, the social workers, RNs that constantly monitored Tom, and the entire team of other doctors, nurses, and RT's on 6D at UM Hospital. Thank you to the Nie family and staff for your continued care, kindness, and assistance, as well as Pastor Bryan Schindel, who, while in Canada visiting his ailing mother, took the time to guide us through our planning, paving the way for our needs, and praying for us all with a host of other prayer warriors across the country. And to family, friends, and neighbors who have surrounded us with love and cared for our needs, you are most appreciated. Thank you.
"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful." Matthew 25:21

Published by Ann Arbor News from Aug. 15 to Aug. 16, 2024.