John Thomas "Tom" Bachman

John Thomas “Tom” Bachman, age 81 of Port Huron, Michigan, passed away on June 1, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on May 7, 1944 in Battle Creek, Michigan cherished son of Virgil and Elizabeth Bachman. Tom attended Port Huron High School and it was here that he met the love of his life who would ultimately become his wife, Maxine. While attending Port Huron High School, he auditioned and became a member of one of the most prestigious male choirs in the area. He graduated from high school in 1962 and was accepted into the University of Mortuary Science in Cincinnati, Ohio. While there, he was recognized as quite a skilled embalmer. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1966. Now married with their first born, Tom accepted a position working as an embalmer for the Bachman Hebble Funeral Home in Battle Creek, Michigan. To Tom, his area of expertise provided him the privilege of utilizing his talents to honor someone’s loved one. Whether traveling to the scene of an accident in the middle of the night or comforting a family in their home, it was Tom’s inherent ability to connect and offer solace during those difficult moments that meant the most to those affected. After years of dedicated service to Bachman Hebble Funeral Home, Tom decided to move his young family back to Port Huron, Michigan to be closer to family and a new career opportunity. He accepted a position as a histotechnologist for what was formerly known as Mercy Hospital. Through hard work and dedication, he became the lead histotechnologist in the laboratory and he excelled in this new position. Aside from his full-time career at the hospital, Tom continued to offer his services to several funeral homes throughout the Port Huron area. After 37 years of service, Tom retired from Mercy Hospital, but continued to provide embalming services on a part-time basis. Tom was confirmed and married at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Port Huron, Michigan. He was a lifelong member and he devoted much of his time and talent singing in the Senior Choir, teaching Sunday school classes, and being a puppeteer. The Puppet Program at Our Savior Lutheran Church enriched the lives of many children and Tom was an integral part when he played Leonard the Lion and Ralph. During one Easter service, Reverend Fredrick Schoof persuaded Tom into sitting on his knees in a children’s red wagon with a box over him and only an opening at the top to extend his arm out to play the puppet, Ralph, for the kids in the audience. Tom was one of the kindest people you would ever meet. With a smile and a laugh that would brighten anyone’s day, he had an uncanny ability to put anyone at ease. His sense of humor was uplifting and this was shown by the lasting friendships he formed throughout his life. Tom was a man of many talents, whether it was painting the house all on his own during the summer months or wallpapering the girl’s bedroom. Later in life, he dabbled in woodworking, making a variety of crafts to sell at local craft shows for different seasons and holidays of the year. Always wanting to own a classic car, Tom and his son Dave purchased a 64 Chevy Impala that they refurbished. A highlight of his life was taking his kids and grandchildren in the Impala for a summer drive to the Dairy Queen. Throughout his life, Tom was an avid reader and especially enjoyed reading WWII history; a war his father fought in. Tom will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Maxine, loving children: Gaye (Todd) Wolschlager, David (Kimberly) Bachman, and Lisa (Jim) St. John, grandchildren: Brooke and Madison Wolschlager, Thomas and Sarah Bachman, sister: Cheryl (Robert) Moss, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter: Abigail Lee Wolschalger, sister: Bonnie Baker, brother-in-law Leon Baker, sister-in-law Jacquelyn Gilan and brother-in-law Daniel Gilan. Funeral services will be held on Friday – June 6, 2025 at 11:00am in the Jowett Funeral Home – 1634 Lapeer Ave., Port Huron. Minister Shaun Laurain will officiate. The visiting hours will be on Thursday – June 5, 2025 from 2:00pm – 5:00pm and again on Friday from 10:00am until time of the service. Cremation will follow and ashes will be privately placed at Lakeside Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the service in the Jowett Funeral Home Reception Center. Tom loved animals, especially dogs. Tom and Maxine owned two cocker spaniels during their lifetime, Sandy and Molly, that meant the world to them. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution in memory of Tom to the Michigan Humane Society. Jowett Funeral Home is privileged to serve the Bachman Family. View obituary and share memories at www.jowettfuneralhome.com

John Thomas "Tom" Bachman

May 7, 1944 - June 1, 2025