Thomas Sisco

It is with great sadness we share the recent passing of Thomas Riley Sisco on December 16, 2025 at his home in Kingsley, MI, surrounded by family. Ever a fighter, he surpassed the initial prognosis and remained positive through many challenges. Determined to live the rest of his life to the fullest, he spent his last years with family and friends enjoying many happy times attending concerts, sporting events and cooking delicious food.

Thomas was born on December 20, 1953 in Owosso MI to Gertrude and Lawrence Sisco. Even as a younger person, he loved food. His mother famously said, ‘Anyone who loves eating as much as you do should probably know how to cook!’ In 1972 he graduated from Owosso High School, and went on to pursue a variety of career paths and interests.

His first big adventure was joining the US Air Force in 1972. He was incredibly proud to serve, even being stationed on Guam. Anyone remember the movie ‘Good Morning Vietnam?’ Just like Robin Williams, Tom helped to keep the soldiers’ morale high through music and commentary, however he claimed to not have been as funny.

In 1973 he married Laurie Sisco (nee Mehigh). Their bond remained unbreakable for 52 years, during which they raised 3 kids with love and patience. They delighted in using humor to entertain themselves and others, creating a household that was always full of laughter (but never at others’ expense). Tom and Laurie also gleefully welcomed 3 grandchildren and 1 great- grandson who they spoiled absolutely rotten any chance they got. Though he loved each member of his family equally, Tom had a special talent for seeing people for who they were and lifting them up in challenging times. He was the ultimate cheerleader and supporter - anyone in Tom’s orbit could be certain they were loved unconditionally, every moment.

After the Air Force, Thomas joined the wonderful world of broadcasting. At 7 & 4 News, he worked first as a weatherman and then as an anchorman - yes, he did work alongside the infamous Deputy Don and his dog Bullet! Thomas relished his time spent in broadcasting and being a radio disc jockey. His deep, calm voice was a natural fit for both.

Thomas graduated from the first ever culinary program at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, MI and was named that same year ‘Adult Student of the Year.” He went on to explore every aspect and corner of the culinary world and loved every one of them with admirable enthusiasm. Through all of this he was able to discover his true passion of teaching culinary and cooking skills. He cherished the Kingsley library (and its staff - his friends) while offering 15 years of cooking classes for the local community, some of whom did not miss a SINGLE class!

He was a great teacher, not only in the culinary world, but for his children, grandchildren and great-grandson. He instilled in them a love and appreciation for literature, theater and music (except disco….NEVER disco). A great sense of humor was a must for Thomas, something his sister Rebecca appreciated more than anyone.

Thomas was an avid supporter of the Lions, Tigers and Redwings (oh my!). No fair-weather friend to these teams, he was able to watch some of the Lions’ best seasons before he died. He was a voracious reader of many genres and shared this love with anyone who would listen. Between his culinary adventures, he acted and sang in as many local productions as possible. Over the years, he played Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar as well as many other roles.

Most of all he loved his family. He loved teaching his children, creating games for them and indulging in every plea to go to the beach. His wife Laurie was ever a steadfast support and the two of them shared a tenacity that could be seen by anyone that met them. Tom loved his siblings and all the memories they shared. He loved watching his grandkids grow through all the ages and stages that exhaust a parent, while being called Oppa, Papaw, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa. He loved becoming a dad again with the new title of Father-In-Law to two amazing people, Rebecca and Jason (even getting to ‘give away’ his new daughter-in-law Rebecca at the wedding, since her own parents were unable to travel). Through it all, he was always waiting quietly to be that calm and reassuring voice you needed. We will miss you so much - especially your most delicious dinner rolls. They are the absolute best.

Tom was preceded in death by parents Lawrence Sisco (Gertrude), brother Bob Sisco, sister Rosemary Sisco, and grandchild Josef Sisco.

He leaves behind wife Laurie Sisco, sister Rebecca Norman (Robert), children Joshua Sisco (Rebecca), Jason Sisco and April Sisco-Spoor (Jason Spoor), grandchildren Emilee and Lincoln, sister-in-law, Cheryl Sisco and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested Memorial Contributions to the Kingsley Branch Library, P.O. Box 427, Kingsley, Michigan 49649.

An informal gathering will be held 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Friday, January 2, 2026 at Life Story Funeral Home. A Military Honors ceremony will start at 4:00 pm and time for sharing will follow.

Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts and more.