Tom Broughton, 74, of Grand Rapids, stepped peacefully into the presence of his wonderful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom he loved with all his heart, Monday, July 27, 2026, surrounded by family. There is no doubt he was met by Jesus with open arms and a "well done, good and faithful servant."

Tom was born in Mt. Clemens on September 12, 1951, to Luke and Elizabeth (Bigger) Broughton.

He spent his childhood through 10th grade on the family's 80 acres. He enjoyed hours of walking the woods on the farm and riding his bike many miles at a time. Tom was a cross-country and track runner, placing first in state finals and setting a record for his high school in New Haven. His family moved to Marlette in 1968, where Tom sang in the high school choir, in a group, and in the Youth for Christ choir.

Tom met the love of his life at Grand Rapids Bible College (now Cornerstone). It took a semester before he could get her attention, but once he did, it wasn't long before they started dating. On May 18, 1974, Tom married Jo Hoxie. They were married 52 years.

Tom was larger than life; his presence would fill a room with fun and joy. He and his wife, Jo (whom he called Sweetie Face), enjoyed a special bond - they truly were one. He was her Tom Bombadil.

Tom loved God, his family, and friends. He enjoyed woodworking, and he made 70+ step stools for friends and family, mostly for weddings. They truly were beautiful. For many years at various times, he served as an elder at church, absolutely loved teaching a high school Sunday School class, and often attended sports in which his students participated.

He dearly loved his son, Trenton, and daughter-in-law, Cici. He adored his granddaughter, Miller, and what fun times they had together along with Grandma. Together they attended her cross-country meets, her school concerts, and concerts at both the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and St. Cecelia's Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. Gramps was so proud of her.

Tom dearly loved his siblings, and all the nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, great grand nieces and nephews, and his in-laws.

Tom was a missionary wherever he went; he loved sharing Jesus with whoever would listen. Often someone would ask him what made him so happy. He would put his hands in the air and say, "I'm redeemed." Even in the darkest moments of his illness, his theme was "all glory, praise, and honor to the Lord Jesus Christ. He is worthy."

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers-in-law Mike Rock and George Moomaw, and his many aunts and uncles.

Tom will be deeply missed by his loving wife, son and daughter-in-law, and his granddaughter, his sisters Bea Rock and Martha Moomaw, his brothers Don (Sue) and Larry (Peggy), his Uncle Joe and Aunt Leah Bigger, many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and great grand nieces and nephews. He will be sadly missed by his many friends.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Fourth Reformed Church, 1226 Union Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505. Visitation will be held Friday, July 31, from 2- 4 and 6-8 pm at the Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.