Thomas E. Masters

Thomas Eugene Masters, 72, of Three Oaks, MI passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, Feb. 16, 2018 at the Hanson hospice Center in Stevensville, MI. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sommerfeld Chapel, 15 N. Barton St., New Buffalo, MI. Tom was born on May 5, 1945 in Benton Harbor, MI to the late Merlin and Dorothy (Myers) Masters. He was a 1963 graduate of Dowagiac High School. Tom served his country in the U.S. Army in the 3rd armored division. His division was trained and ready to depart for Vietnam but instead they were sent to Germany. On April 9, 1983 in Michigan City, IN he married Jetta Elliott. Tom was an administrative clerk with the CSX Railroad and retired in 2005 after 39 years of service. He was a member of the New Buffalo American Legion Post #169 – they will conduct military honors during the committal service. Tom is survived by his wife Jetta; his children – Scott Masters of Plymouth, IN, Stacey Masters of Raliegh, NC, Joseph (Cheryl) Kucharski of Portage, MI, John (Amy) Yanz of New Buffalo, MI, Joshua (Megaan) Schmock of New Buffalo, MI, Jason (Amanda) Schmock of Tomah, WI and Carl Kent of Three Oaks, MI; and ten grandchildren – Maisey Masters, Lanie Masters, Abagail Yanz, Annabelle Yanz, Alisun Yanz, Austin Kucharski, Avery Kucharski, Alexander Schmock, Elizabeth Schmock, and AJ Schmock; nieces Patricia Havard and Gwen Moore plus numerous other nieces-nephews-cousins; also cherished and beloved friends Deanna McClendon and Christina McClendon-Evans. He is preceded in death by his parents, a daughter – Joelluin Masters (1996) and a sister Sharon Jennings. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Weds., Feb. 21, 11:00am at Waters Edge United Methodist Church in New Buffalo, with Pastors Kel Penny and Dan Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in New Buffalo, MI. Visitation is on Tues. Feb. 20 from 4:00-8:00pm at Sommerfeld Chapel in New Buffalo, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville, MI. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.sommerfelchapel.com