Tom's Legacy: A Loving Family Man

Tom was a great son, brother, uncle, stepfather, teacher, friend, and the list could go on; but more than anything he was an INCREDIBLE husband and grandpa. He loved unconditionally. His wife, Dawn, and his 11 grandchildren were his greatest joys in life. We will miss him every single day until we meet again. Love you, Tom!

Thomas “Tom” L. Hobbins, Jr., 61, of Temperance, Michigan, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Tom is survived by his loving wife, Dawn; children, David Mann, Michelle (Jon) Dalton, and Marc (Maggie) Mann; brothers, Daniel (Halle) Hobbins and Stephen (Angela) Hobbins; sister, Deborah Hobbins; grandchildren, Jack, Carlee, Will, Lyndie, Kenzie, Callie, Sadie, Marc, Mason, Meghan, and Maverick. Tom was preceded in death by his parents.

His grandparents were Salvation Army officers and missionaries. His parents pastored and taught churches. Tom never had such ambitions, but he nonetheless lived a life of service for others. He left a hole that can never be filled in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Tom was born on June 3, 1963, in London, Ontario, to Thomas Leslie and Mildred (Woll) Hobbins. At age 7, the family moved to Toledo, where playing with neighborhood kids blossomed into a lifelong love for sports that was later refined at State Line Christian School. His best sport was basketball, in which he excelled as a team player: not tall or fast but cerebral, with a deadly jump shot and textbook defense that helped State Line win a state championship his senior year.

After graduating from State Line in 1981, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Theology from Hyles-Anderson College. He then returned to Lewis Avenue Baptist Church, where he served on staff and in the bus ministry for decades, while likewise teaching for 20 years at State Line Christian School. A serious student of the Bible, his scriptural knowledge exceeded that of everyone around him, probably including his father, though he wore that expertise so lightly that it could easily be missed. Friends called him an “idea factory,” his insights gleaned from study and wide reading, and extending over a range of topics, from sermons to parenting to history and politics.

As nieces and nephews arrived, he now found an outlet for his loving and generous spirit. Every year a new Christmas ornament arrived, hidden somewhere in the house for them to find. Birthdays were celebrated at a favorite restaurant.

In what he always considered the best decision of his life, Tom married Dawn L. Mann on November 24, 2006. With Dawn and her children, he came at last to enjoy a family of his own. The grandchildren now entering his life unlocked further undetected springs of love and attention. He soon became legendary among them for his interest in their lives and constant presence. Reading visits descended into the chaos of children crawling over and hugging him - all welcomed by Tom with open arms and heart. A widely circulated booklet featured a list of his “all-time favorite grand-kids” - every grandchild’s name with the number “1” beside it. Each week he curated library books for them. He took them on trips to Cabela’s and gave basketball lessons on Saturdays.

Tom loved to read (always a book in his hand), and to teach, especially the Bible, but also basketball - which he did until the day he died. He enjoyed sharing his love for books, but he was equally a good listener. Tom gave you his whole attention in conversation because he was genuinely interested in what you had to say. The cell phone, with its infernal capacity to divide the attention, bounced off him like teflon.

He also loved to play. His uncle Philip Woll, arriving from Africa in 1972 (memorably described by Tom - Phil with a big afro and bow in hand), introduced him to board games, which then became a permanent part of his life, from card games like Mille Bornes to grand strategy games like Diplomacy to more child-friendly games as grandkids came along. He had a passing interest in video games, which flagged only after he defeated the entire Zelda series on Nintendo 64. He had a great skill - perhaps never fully exploited - for drawing (nurtured in children’s art classes at the Toledo Museum of Art).

He was a kind soul who saw the good in everyone and in every situation. He loved Christ, the church, and everyone in it. Most of all he loved to spend time with his grandkids.

“Large was his bounty, and his soul sincere,

Heav’s did a recompense as largely send…”