Thomas D. Etheridge

Thomas Dan Etheridge of East Grand Rapids went to be with the Lord on Christmas morning, December 25, 2018. He died peacefully in his sleep and joined his parents, Daane and Lucille Etheridge, who predeceased  him.  Tom was born in East Grand Rapids on April 3, 1942. He was a graduate of Grand Rapids Christian High School and Grand Rapids Community College.  Tom started his career with the 3 M Company as a sales executive and was later promoted to run the Grand Rapids region.  He left 3 M to work for Central Michigan Paper Company, following in the steps of his Great Uncle Spencer Etheridge. Tom was an owner and Sales Promotion Executive for Central Michigan until the late 70’s, when he joined his father and two brothers at Etheridge Printing Company as a 4th generation printer. He eventually became an owner and Executive of the company.  Tom retired from printing in the 90’s.  He was the former President of the Advertising Federation of Grand Rapids and, until his death, an active member of the Rotary Club, where he enjoyed the company of many friends.  Tom very much loved and is survived by his two children, Luann (Fred) Mackraz and Danial Arnett Etheridge II; his grandchildren, Reese Mackraz, Maggie Mackraz, Olivia Mackraz and Grant Kerkstra, with whom he had a special relationship; his brothers,  Bob (Chris) Etheridge and Ted (Barb) Etheridge; and his nieces and nephews, Daane (Megan) Etheridge II, Nicole (Brian) Haight, Allison (Pete) Houlihan, and Lindsay (Scott) Slagboom.  As a lifelong resident of Grand Rapids, Tom loved to study the City's rich history. During life, Tom was an avid reader, enjoyed traveling,  and could be spotted driving around town in a little convertible sports car. Often friends and family would find Tom in his car in their driveway, waiting for a chance to talk, connect, and then be on his way.  At Tom’s request, funeral services were attended by immediate family only. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Rotary Club of Ada - Cascade. 

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