THOMAS HENRY STENS

Feb. 9, 1962 - Nov. 14, 2007
SOUTH BEND - Thomas Henry Stens, 45, of South Bend, passed away at 3:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 14, in Hospice House of South Bend. Tom was born on Feb. 9, 1962, in Jacksonville, NC, and moved to South Bend in 1976.

He is survived by his parents, Glorn and Yvonne Stens of Sun City, CA; a sister, Terri (Jay) Sponseller of Edgewater, MD; brothers, Richard Baker of Omaha, NE, and William (Christal) Stens of Minifel, CA; and a close friend, Michael Richardson of South Bend.

Tom graduated from LaSalle High School in South Bend in 1980. After high school he graduated from The Academy Beauty College and started his lifelong career as a hair stylist. He worked at a couple of salons in the area before settling in at E-Clips Hair Design, where his beautiful smile and infectious laugh made numerous friends. He truly enjoyed his work there and the camaraderie among his co-workers...something he hadn't experienced anywhere before. One of Tom's favorite pastimes was music of any kind and he enjoyed listening to anything from Chaka Khan to Loretta Lynn. He was also known to grab a microphone and belt out a few tunes anywhere there was a karaoke machine near! Other activities he enjoyed included cooking (enough for a small army), sewing and shopping for bargains. He also enjoyed all of his friends and was the life of any party. He certainly lived his life to the fullest. Two of the greatest loves of his life were his Welsh terriers, George and Midge. The family would like to thank the staff of E-Clips and the many friends who cared for Tom and comforted him during his last days... your support meant a lot.

Friends and family are gathering for a memorial and celebration of Tom's life at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8th, in Bubb's Funeral Chapel, 3910 N. Main Street, Mishawaka. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to The Humane Society of St. Joseph County or to Pet Refuge of St. Joseph County. "I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints... cause sinners have much more fun.. Only the Good Die Young!"

Published by South Bend Tribune on Nov. 18, 2007

09/10/2022 EJS