C. Thomas Sechler

C. Thomas Sechler, age 93, recently of Milford, formerly of Indianapolis, Northville and Farmington, was called to his heavenly home on October 23, 2025. He was born December 23, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan; son of Paul and Hazel (Springer) Sechler. Tom graduated from Farmington High School with the Class of 1950. Following his graduation, he attended the University of Michigan School of Architecture for 2 years.

He left school and married his first wife, Mary, in April 1952. They raised 4 children into their teens prior to divorcing in 1971. All 4 of the kids elected to live with their father, and he was awarded full custody at a time when most single fathers were not.

Tom was united in marriage to Judith P. Robinson on February 2, 1973, at the Martha Mary Chapel in Greenfield Village. They combined her 3 children and his 4 into a strong blended family of 7. They spent 37 years lovingly devoted to one another until her death in September of 2010.

Tom worked as a mason contractor for many years, building a respected reputation in his field. He started out by building a house for his parents, then a first home for his family in Farmington, His career expanded to include building homes in subdivisions and small industrial warehouses. Prior to moving to Northville and building a large family home on 6 Mile Rd, he did several commercial projects in town, including the Northville Public Library, Police Department and Jail, Post Office, early parts of the Mill Race Village, and the A&P Store. Later, he transitioned to high-end residential work, spending over 20 years as a mason contractor known for completing jobs that others could not. Tom took a brief break from construction when he and his wife converted the old bus Garage on 7 Mile Rd. into a beautiful restaurant called The Tack Room. He served as owner and manager for two years before selling it to Chuck Muir. A few years later it became Rocky’s. A hardworking man throughout his life, he often worked 2 jobs to support his family, including over 20 years at Northville Downs, where he cashed tickets in the Clubhouse, a job he truly loved.

Tom’s faith was deep and central to his life. He was a devoted and longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church of Northville, where he served as a Deacon, contributed his time on the Property Committee, and took part in the Men’s Wednesday Bible Study. In retirement, Tom continued his faith journey as a member of the Presbyterian Church in Traverse City, after he built a home on Little Twin Lake, and later at the Presbyterian Church of Stuart, Florida, where he spent his winters enjoying the sunshine. No matter where he worshiped, one constant remained, Tom’s love of singing in the church choir.

Tom had a lifelong love for machines in motion. He enjoyed driving his pickup trucks, stayed active by riding his bicycle daily, and had a deep passion for flying. After earning his pilot’s license in 1972, he logged countless flights out of Wixom Airport. He had to give it up due to the expense involved, but his love for it continued and 50 years later he took his last flight in Indianapolis in 2022. An avid gardener, Tom took pride in surrounding his home with beautiful flowers. A true jack of all trades, he could fix just about anything and was always tinkering around the house. Tom also had a spirit of adventure and a love for travel, which he shared with his wife. Their journeys began with a honeymoon in Venezuela and took them across the globe to destinations including China, the United Kingdom, the Holy Lands in Israel, North Africa, Germany, and Egypt.

A passionate sportsman, Tom began hunting pheasant, duck, and deer alongside his father in Michigan. His pursuits later took him to Alaska, Wyoming, and Vancouver, where he enjoyed big-game hunting for antelope, moose, elk, and both brown and black bears. Throughout his life, Tom always had a loyal dog by his side and took pride in ensuring each one was well trained and well-mannered. In his later years, when he could no longer have his own dog, he enjoyed meeting dogs & puppies on his travels and neighborhood walks. He always stopped to greet the owners and give the dog a friendly pat. His gentle nature and kindness extended to all living creatures, making him a favorite in the neighborhood and among friends. Tom’s appreciation for the simple joys in life was evident in his daily interactions and the way he cared for those around him.

Outgoing and friendly, Tom was a true ‘people person’ with a wonderful sense of humor. His smile could light up a room. Always up for a good prank, he loved making others laugh and continued cracking jokes and teasing those around him right up to the end of his life. Tom had a genuine love for people, and his face would light up whenever he saw children or babies. Above all, his greatest joy came from his family. A devoted father, he especially cherished his role as a grandfather, and great grandfather. He was affectionately known as Granddad or Great Granddad; Tom adored his grandchildren and treasured every moment spent with them. He leaves behind a legacy of love and integrity that will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends. Tom was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Tom is survived by his loving children, Melissa Robinson, Rick (Julie Albers-Sechler) Sechler, Kathy Sechler, Mark Robinson, Steven (Debra) Sechler, and Michael Sechler; his grandchildren, Don (Nina) Sechler, Casey Sechler, Thomas Hockett, Gregory (Brandon Higby) Sechler, Keith Sechler, Keri (Tom) Kazer, Lauren (Lisi) Heaslip-Léger, Amanda Robinson, Emily Robinson, Claire Robinson and Grace Robinson; his great grandchildren, Brayden, Everett, Levi, Avery, Kameli, and Keanu. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Sechler; his son, Blair Robinson; his parents; and his brother, Paul Sechler, Jr.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with a time of gathering beginning at 10:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 200 East Main Street, Northville. He will be laid to rest with his wife at Rural Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to First Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Main St., Northville, MI 48167.