Thomas L. Koning

Thomas Larry Koning, recently of Hamilton, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026. He was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on February 25, 1950.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Pearl Koning; his sister, Arlene Wykstra; his brother, Mark Koning; and his nephew, Aaron Wykstra.

He is survived by his wife, Connie Koning; his children, Lisa Salyer (James), Tim Koning (Tanya), and Linda Koning; his grandchildren, Alydia Marcum-Koning, Daniel Koning, and Gracelyn Koning; his great-grandson, Lucas Marcum; as well as a host of in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Tom was a graduate of Kalamazoo Christian High School, Calvin College and Calvin Seminary, and Grand Baptist Theological Seminary. He founded and pastored Reformed Baptist Church and Faith Chapel Ministries in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He also served as chaplain at Friendship Village. Studying theology was his passion, and he found great enjoyment in this with his Bible Study Group at Family Church - Ebenezer Campus.

Tom was a wonderful musician, playing trumpet as a teen in the Kalamazoo Youth For Christ Trumpet Trio. For many years, he also sang in the Kalamazoo Oratorio Society’s performance of Handel’s “Messiah.” He was a founding member of Crossroads Country Gospel Band, playing guitar and singing for many years at the Big Rock Music Barn in Martin, Michigan, as well as at Prairieville, Michigan. The pride and joy of his life was that he and his band were members of the Michigan Country Music Hall of Fame.

Tom also had a great love of sports and was an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers. He could regularly be found playing golf at many of his favorite courses around Kalamazoo.

Tom loved spending time with his family and had a deep love of his children and grandchildren. He loved going to their sporting events and helping them discover a love for music.

A private family burial will take place. Visitation will held on Saturday, August 15, from 12 PM to 2 PM at Family Church - Ebenezer Campus at 5166 Ottogan Street, Holland, Michigan 49423. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at the church at 2 PM. Family and friends are invited to gather for a reception following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to bless families impacted by disability by giving to Joni and Friends Illinois Office Scholarship Fund, 915 Harger Road, Suite 105, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523 or https://secured.joniandfriends.org/give/488840#!/donation/checkout

Though Tom’s life on this earth is over, we take comfort that Tom had a strong assurance that he belonged, body and soul, in life and in death, to his faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. We rejoice that we know we will one day see him again around the throne of Jesus.