Thomas Jay Olds

Thomas (Tom) Jay Olds, 67, of Kingsley passed away unexpectedly Thursday morning, July 23, 2020. Tom was born January 18, 1953 in Traverse City to the late Lafayette and Virginia (Clous) Olds. He married Cheryl Ashmore on May 5, 1973 and together they had three children. Tom earned his legendary status playing high school basketball in Kingsley and helped lead the team to the state championship game in 1970 where he was named Honorable Mention All-American Player. After high school, while he received a full ride scholarship to play basketball at a Division 1 school; he attended Alpena Community College for nearly a full year before returning home to farm full time with his brothers and Grandpa Clarence Clous following the sudden death of their father, Lafayette, in 1971. Tom would then farm for the next 49 years milking cows, raising beef cattle, making maple syrup, and crop farming; while in his spare time, worked side hustles picking cherries, cutting firewood, and selling sweet corn, to name a few. For fun, his real passion was hunting and especially fishing. The fish in northern Michigan and parts of Canada can finally rest a little easier! Tom had a giving heart, he could fix anything, and he could literally make something out of absolutely nothing. Tom dearly loved his grandchildren and never wasted an opportunity to brag about how talented and accomplished they each were! Tom is survived by the love of his life and best friend, Cheryl; his three children: Aaron (Nicole) Olds, Justin (Annie) Olds, and Sarah (Troy) Sherman; seven grandchildren: Lauren Olds, Tyler Olds, Brayden Sherman, Colten Sherman, Joshua Olds, Luke Olds, and Evelyn Olds; his nine brothers and sisters: Dick (Althea) Olds, Joyce Olds, Vicki (Dean) Edgecomb, Annie (Kim) Morin, Janet (Al) Sieffert, Jim Olds (Angie Smith), Tim (Rhonda) Olds, Carol (Steve) Stocking, and Karen Zenner (Dean Domnoske); two step siblings: David (Patty) Fashbaugh and Kelly (Ed) Crain; and 35 nieces and nephews. Tom is preceded in death by his parents. An outdoor visitation at the farm and home of Tom and Cheryl Olds will be held from 10AM - 12PM on Saturday, August 1st. The service will begin at Noon on Saturday, with Pastor Colleen Wierman officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Thomas Jay Olds

January 18, 1953 - July 23, 2020