Thomas Grant Ernst

Thomas Grant Ernst, born July 26, 1935 entered our Church Triumphant on February 16, 2024. Tom resided in Birmingham, Michigan. He is pre-deceased by his stepson, Steven Stankov, his father, Clyde Edward Ernst, his stepfather, Charles Gay and his mother, Naomi Stricker Gay [Ernst]. He is survived by his wife, Zonyia L. Ernst, and their grandson Kyle Stankov. Tom is also survived by his son Michael T. Ernst, daughter in law Debra Dobre Ernst, his grandchildren John, John's spouse Kathryn Ernst and Liza Ernst, his son Mark E. Ernst, daughter in law Shelly J. Walldorff-Ernst, his grandchildren, Caitlin, Riley and Mackenzie Ernst, his brother Gary Gay, Gary's spouse Barb Gay, their son, Tom's nephew, Trevor Gay and his former spouse Gayle S. Ernst.
Tom began his career in Dayton, Ohio at Frigidaire, a division of General Motors at that time. He transferred as a designer to General Motors "Styling", Warren, Michigan in 1968, A few years later, he joined the firm of Ford & Earl. Eventually, Tom purchased Ford & Earl. Tom retired in 2006 when he sold his iconic company Ford & Earl Design. Tom graduated from University of Cincinnati with a degree in industrial design. Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, Tom's passion and dedication was to leave his mark on our world through the beauty of design expressed in buildings, products and goods we all used in everyday life, including things like EZ Go golf carts. Ford & Earl was recognized globally and for years provided services to giants such as Ford Motor Company. Tom acquired the company started by two Detroit historical scions, Walter B. Ford and world-renowned General Motors designer Harley Earl. Tom briefly served as a vice president in the architectural firm of Minoru Yamasaki. Tom, as a contributing member of the firm was proud to work with Mr. Yamasaki, whose most notable achievement was The World Trade Towers in New York City. Tom's dedication to family and friends was reflected in his long relationship with his Beta Theta Pi fraternity brothers from University of Cincinnati over his lifetime. An avid world traveler, Tom traveled the continents throughout the globe, including in later years, BMW motorcycle tours on three continents. Since retiring, Tom took up golf and became a fanatic. He was a member of the Birmingham Men's Golf League. Tom's life will be remembered as one of accomplishment, loyalty, dedication and love for his family, not to mention his incredible "approach shots" to the green. He enjoyed his twilight years playing golf with his sons and grandson John, a golf professional in Winter Park Florida.
Tom was devastated by the tragedy of 9-11. Those wishing to honor Tom might consider supporting the Tunnel to Towers organization www.t2t.org.
Tom's remains are to be cremated and the family wishes all to know that a Celebration of Tom's Life will be held later in the spring at a time and place to be determined.
Friends and family members are invited to visit the A.J. Desmond Funeral Home web site https://www.desmondfuneralhome.com to share memories, stories or just tell our family what made Tom special to you.