Thomas Allan Binder

Thomas Allan Binder, 65, of Knightdale, NC, formerly of Mount Pleasant, MI, passed away on January 10, 2025. Tom was born to Nelson and Eunice (Clabuesch) Binder in Pigeon, MI, on August 19, 1959. After graduating from Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port (EPBP) High School in 1978, Tom attended Central Michigan University, where he studied Economics. While home from college, he attended his brothers' church softball game in Pigeon. There, he met the love of his life, Barb Ross, sitting near him on the bleachers. At the time, she was a teacher at EPBP Jr. High. They were married on May 22, 1982, a year to the day they first met. Tom's life was one of hard work and dedication. He entered the workforce at age 10, helping on a family farm. In high school, Tom worked doing pole barn construction and worked at Thumb National Bank during his college summers. He began his career of 30+ years working for LaBelle Management in Mt. Pleasant, doing landscape maintenance. Through the years, with his incredible work ethic, Tom became the company's Chief Financial Officer. Sports played an important part in Tom's life. He was a remarkable athlete, excelling in baseball and golf later in life. He loved cheering on the Detroit Tigers and looked forward to a Lions' Super Bowl. Along with spending much time at the Mt. Pleasant Country Club golfing and with friends, he also spent time prepping and coaching his children's baseball and soccer teams. In 1991, at age 31, Tom shot his first hole-in-one. However, just a few hours later, he learned he required quadruple bypass surgery. As the years passed, three bypasses stopped working, but the fourth stayed fully functional. In 2018, his carotid arteries were showing signs of build-up. Tom and his family are truly grateful for the "bonus years" blessed upon him and the extra time they were given with him before his passing. Thomas is survived by his parents Nelson and Eunice Binder of Pigeon, wife Barbara of Knightdale, NC, son Robert (Paula) Binder of Knoxville, TN, daughter Chelsea (Gabriel) Kachuba of Richmond, VA, brothers Gary Binder and Jim (Maggie) Binder, aunt Rhonda Kuehn, brother-in-law Mike (Toni) Ross, sister-in-law Sue Ross, and his dearly loved nieces and nephews. He was also the proud grandfather of 5 grand dogs and 2 grand cats. Preceding Tom in death were his parents-in-law, Bobbie and Cleo Ross, and brother-in-law, David Ross. A memorial service for Tom will be held at noon on Tuesday, January 21, at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home with the Rev. Michael Biedenbender of Faith Lutheran Church officiating. The service will be live-streamed on the funeral home's Facebook page. A luncheon will follow in Lincoln Reception Center (attached to the funeral home). The family will receive friends on Monday from 5-7 p.m. and one hour before the service on Tuesday. Memorial contributions may be made to the family's wishes. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To sign the online guest book or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.CharlesRLux.com.