Tom Betts

His final song has been sung. The final bell has rung. Long time Shakey's piano player, and boxing coach, Thomas Saul Betts, born November 20, 1936, died August 30, 2022.

Tom was known among his family and friends as an outgoing, compassionate, generous and kind man. Born and raised in Marquette, Michigan, Tom attended Michigan State University on a boxing scholarship.

Tom married Virginia May McGraw on Valentines Day, 1956. Together they raised three children, Harvard (Naomi), Linda, and William. Linda passed away in 1976 at the age of 18.

Virginia was with him when he took his final breath, along with both of his sons and one daughter in law.

Tom owned and performed at the Dynamite Lounge in the 1970's, and the following two decades at Shakey's Pizza Parlor in Green Bay. Tom was a strong proponent of organized labor, serving many terms as Secretary of The Green Bay Federation of Musicians. He also played piano and sang at many New Years Eve Parties at Flannigan's Bar, in Marquette, Michigan. Living to be 85 years of age, Tom outlived many of his family and his friends, but be assured he had always kept them in his heart and never forgot them.

Tom is survived by his wife, his two sons and daughter in law, grandchildren Adia, Kyle and Jordin, his brother Blaine (Gretchen) Betts, and his sister Dawn Betts of Marquette, Michigan.

Visitation for Tom will be held at Newcomer Green Bay Chapel on Friday, September 9, 2022 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and will be followed by a Memorial Service at 1:00 pm.