Obituary of Thomas Hall Tefft

Thomas H. Tefft, age 98, passed away on February 3, 2024, in Midland, Michigan.  Tom was born on August 10, 1925 in Olean, New York to Daniel Douglas Tefft and Velma M. (Hall) Tefft Delong.  He is survived by his son, Scott A. (Linda) Tefft: seven grandchildren, Marcy (Chris) Tamez, Jeffrey (Kristianne) Tefft, Robert Tefft, Scott (Sara) Williams, Mark (Jessica) Tefft, Chris (Emily) Tefft, Amy Tefft;16 great-grandchildren; with two great-great-grandchildren on the way. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Lloyd; wife, Paula; and son, Jeffrey T. Tefft.  

Tom attended Olean high school, graduating in 1943 as Senior Class President and Valedictorian.  Following graduation he was drafted into the army, joining the 87th infantry division, as battalion radio repairman during WW2. He was responsible for setting up the radio communication network, which enabled the battalion commander to communicate with the fighting units. In 1944 the 87th infantry participated in three major battle campaigns and his battalion was the lead unit in the American counterattack that was part of the Battle of the Bulge. Tom was awarded a Bronze Star and will be receiving a posthumous Purple Heart.  

In 1945 Tom entered Cornell University, graduating in 1950 with a bachelors in chemical engineering.  After graduation he moved to Midland to work in Dow Chemical’s high-pressure laboratory. Tom was always proud of designing and building a pilot plant, operating continuously at 30,000 pounds per square inch, a first for Dow at that pressure.  In 1968 Tom joined the Dow Corporate Economic Planning department and later became the manager of the Michigan divisions, Economic Evaluation, and then the Production Planning department. Tom retired from The Dow Chemical Company on January 31, 1986.  

In 1947 Tom married the love of his life, Paula L. Chase. They had known each other since seventh grade, had several classes together, and attended the same youth group. Theirs indeed was a lifelong relationship.  Tom and Paula enjoyed many activities together, such as teaching children’s figure skating, Boy Scouts of America and being active members of the First United Methodist Church. After retirement, Tom and Paula traveled internationally and spent their summers in Midland and winters in North Palm Beach, Florida.  

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at 11:00 am, March 2, 2024 at Aldersgate Church, located at 2206 Airfield Lane, Midland, Mi 48642, with Rev. Michael T. Sawicki officiating.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 am prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.  Special thank you to Independence Village, MyMichigan Hospice and Laurus Home Care of Midland. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.