Thomas E. Hines

November 21, 1948 ~
December 4, 2020

Thomas E. Hines, age 72, of Marne, went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 4, 2020. Tom was the chief pilot of Pridgeon & Clay from 1982 until his retirement in 2014. He was a skilled pilot and mentor to many in the Grand Rapids aviation community. He loved his family, golf, flying, and racing in that order. Tom had the incredible gift for being there for other people. He was proud to be an American citizen and served four years in the U.S. Air Force. He is survived by his beloved wife, Claire of 48 years; children, Eric Hines, Amy Hines; four grandchildren, Andrea (Rena) Hines, Elijah Hines, Jazmyn Henry-Hines, Ada Henry-Hines; siblings, Edna Hines, Martha Broene, Donald (Sandra) Hines; and many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday, December 10, 2020, from 1-3 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Allendale) 6651 Scott St. 49401. A private family service will be held. The service will be available to view on the MKD Funeral Home website on Thursday evening. (Click on the Live Streams and Recordings tab at the top of the funeral home’s home page.) The burial will take place at Rosedale Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ele’s Place, 2000 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com.

Visitation
Thursday, December 10
1:00pm - 3:00pm

MKD - Allendale
6651 Scott St.
Allendale, MI 49401
Get Directions

Phone: (616) 895-4400

Leave Your Tribute Message

January 18, 2021 1:41am
Tom Thanks for the mentorship and instilling a deeper passion for aviation. You were always willing to answer any questions I had and helped me out on tremendously on my corporate aviation class. Rest easy and fly on. My deepest condolences to the Hines family.

- Adam Clay

January 05, 2021 8:39am
Tom was a very warm- hearted guy with a great sense of (dry) humor. We always had fun when we were with him and Claire.. I will always cherish those memories.

- Jeanne Toder

December 18, 2020 10:55pm
I will always remember Tom and all the family with happy thoughts, from days cheering kids on at games to the thoughtfulness Tom always showed everyone he came in contact with. He will be missed and Sheila and I love you all.

- Ross Michael

December 18, 2020 3:59pm
I didn't know Tom had died until I saw his obituary in the Coopersville Observer today and was sad to read it. We grew up near each other-upper Rudy St and lower Rudy St. His sister, Martha, and I were in the same class of Northview HS '65. Hope she sees this. Tom was truly a nice fellow. Thoughts and cares to his family.

- Mark Patterson

December 13, 2020 1:04pm
Always a nice smile, warm heart, and sense of humor. I preferred the rear facing seat, and always got teased by Tom. You are soaring with the really big wings now, Tom. Memory Eternal. My deepest condolences to the Hines Family, may you find comfort in your memories and be comforted knowing that Tom has found his peace.

- Monica

December 10, 2020 8:05am
I flew with Tom many times during my years at P&C and he always did an incredible job getting us where we needed to be. I always felt very safe with Tom and will miss him greatly. A true gentleman. Thoughts and prayers for the family.

- Jeff Wing

December 09, 2020 9:29am
Not certain if you remember me Claire, worked with you long ago at Porter Hills, and visited you and Tom often in Coopersville, baby sat the kids frequently too. Tom was always kind and had a humorous word. I have wonderful fond memories of those days.....prayers and thoughts of sympathy to you Claire and the entire family.

- Mary Sue (Knott) Van Dyke

December 07, 2020 7:02pm
Tom and I went to grade school and high school together. He was a kind and good friend and will be missed by everyone that knew him. Rest in piece and God bless.

- James roskamp

December 07, 2020 5:20pm
I used to work at Mayday Avionics and remember Tom. He was a very nice guy. I'm so sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers.

- Kathy Tanis




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