Tom J. DeMars, age 52 of 1102 South 22nd Street, Escanaba, MI died Sunday morning April 16, 2006 at home surrounded by his family.

Tom was born April 6, 1954 in Escanaba the son of Jackie (Desmond) DeMars and Frank DeMars. He was raised in Escanaba and he was a 1972 graduate of Escanaba High School. Following graduation Tom served in the U.S. Marines where he was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California. Tom was united in marriage to the former Cathy Roberts on July 11, 1975 at St. Anne’s Church in Escanaba and they made their family home in Escanaba where they raised their 3 children.
Tom was employed for over 29 years at the Mead Paper Company in Escanaba.

Tom loved the outdoors and he especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, skiing and bicycle riding. He was a member of the Mead Rod and Gun Club, St. Joseph/St. Patrick Church and he participated in the Thursday night Marquette Mountain Ski Race League. Tom treasured bike riding with Cathy’s Daycare children and he always looked forward to riding with them to the park and out for ice cream.

In addition to his wife Cathy, survivors include:

Mother: Jackie DeMars of Escanaba; Father: Frank DeMars of Escanaba

2 Daughters: Tina (Don) Kelloniemi of Gladstone and Mickey DeMars of Escanaba

1 Son: Bob DeMars of Escanaba

4 Brothers: Alan (Karen) DeMars of Kalamazoo, MI; Joe (Sandy) DeMars of Escanaba; Tim (Sandra) DeMars of Iron Mountain, MI; Paul (Kerri) DeMars of Tucson, AZ

1 Sister: Nancy (Glenn) LaPalm of Escanaba, MI

Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins

3 granddogs: Dixie, Sprocket and Murf-e

Mass of Christian Burial services celebrating the life of Tom DeMars will be held on Wednesday at 4:00 P.M. at the St. Joseph/St. Patrick Catholic Church in Escanaba with Rev. Fr. Rob Jurkovich officiating. Luncheon will follow services in the church parish hall. Everyone is invited following the luncheon to Tom’s backyard for a special gathering of family and friends.