Thomas Eugene Neighbors

Thomas E. Neighbors of Schoolcraft, passed away Sunday February 9, 2014 at home surrounded with love by his family. Thomas was born May 20, 1940 in Pontiac the son of William and Asenith (Collier) Neighbors. He attended Michigan State University and retired from the Lazy Boy Furniture Company. On October 18, 1957 in Auburn Heights, Thomas was united in marriage to the Former Lorena Lucas, the love of his life, who survives. They were happily married 56+ years. Also surviving are a son, Duane Neighbors of Kalamazoo; daughters, Debra (Michael) Redmond of Southfield, Dee (Steve) Asbel of Richland; 8 grandchildren, Lucas, Erin (Aaron), Corey (Jaqui) Mickey, Joseph (Aris), Casey (Shawn), Alexandra, Nicholas; 2 great-grandchildren, Nevaeh and Michael. A private family service will be held at their home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of South West Michigan. As life goes rushing by, it seems, I barely stop to see The blessings I've been granted All these wonders, just for me. So if I had a day of rest, One day that’s just for me, I’d spend that day in sleeping And dream an endless dream. And all the ones I love are there, And they’re all there for me, To drown me in their kindness, Pour their love all over me; And wash me of my burdens, Ease the pain Ive gained in life, To be lifted of my sorrows, All my guilt and all my strife. They’d lift me on their shoulders And they’d carry me away, Down a grassy dune-side To a place beside the waves, To a field of waving flowers, Chrysanthemums of white, And the bound of this beauty Is the only thing on sight. And I see your smiling faces, And I know that I am free, In this place that’s full of flowers, That God put here just for me. So I’ll ask you not to cry now, But I know that’s what you’ll do, It’s unstoppable, the pain you feel, When you lose a part of you. But I’m forever in your memories, And forever in your heart, And as long as you still love me, We won’t be far apart. I’ll be smiling down upon you, With a grin stuck on my face, Forever awe-struck by the beauty I had witnessed in that place. And, one day, when you’re tired You will rest your weary eyes, And you’ll come and claim this seat That I’ve saved here, by my side Until that day, however, I ask you stay aware Of the blessings you’ve been granted, And the joy that’s everywhere. So this is where I leave you, Though the story’s never done, We just pass it on to others, And we write it, one-by-one. I love you, and I’ll miss you, Know you’ll always be with me. But for now, at least, I’ll rest, And I’ll dream this endless dream. By Shawn Schley Arrangements by Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49008, 269-343-6156. www.redmondfuneralhomes.net