Thomas "Paa"

Thomas Martin Milke “Paa” passed away on April 20, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Monday, April 23, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church in Concord where he was an active member. Tom was born on May 11, 1945 in Buffalo, NY, adopted by the Rev. Oscar and Olive Milke. He attended PS#48 in West Roxbury, MD, Boston Latin School. He received his diploma from Prep School of Concordia. He received his associate in Art at Concordia Jr. College and his BA in English Literature at Concordia Sr. College in Fort Wayne, IN. Shortly thereafter he earned his Masters in Theology, Philosophy and History at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO. He married Joan Ellard in 1968 and had three children. On August 10, 1996 he married a second time to Karen Lois Dougherty of Buffalo, NY. He lived in many parts of the country and had experience in many vocations. He was a Lutheran minister, a truck driver, maintenance engineer and a small business owner. He was elected Town Judge of Granger, NY for three terms but his true passion was for teaching. He worked for multiple school systems, tutoring and teaching adults and children, including GED to disadvantaged and incarcerated individuals. He was a history buff, book collector and gun enthusiast. He also kept up with current events and was not afraid to call a senator or representative if he had something to say. Tom had a smile for everyone he came in contact with and “adopted” anyone who needed someone to care. He was the most generous man and would give the shirt off his back if that’s what was needed. He is survived by his loving, devoted wife, Karen Milke who cared for him and stayed by his side; his immediate family including his children, Christian P. Milke and his wife Lynn of Warsaw, NY and their children and grandchildren; Victoria E. Milke Nichols and her husband John of Hornell, NY and their children, Benjamin D. Milke and his wife Amanda of Wingate, NC and their children, Adrienne Evans and her husband Bill of Fillmore, NY, their children and grandchildren, Audrey Newman and her husband Bill of Belmont, NY, their children and grandchildren, Rick Young and his wife Sandy of Fillmore, NY, their children and grandchildren, Mark Jones and his wife Candy Jones of Mt. Pleasant, NC and their children; countless children and others who came to know him affectionately as Paa – with two a’s. In addition, he has two surviving siblings, Wayne Milke and Debbie Milke Matticola of Lawrenceville, GA. In lieus of flowers, donations may be mailed to: Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church, 3600 US Highway 601, Concord, NC 28025 in memory of Thomas Martin Milke. Please write in the memo section for the purpose of educational ministries. Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Milke family.