TRAVERSE CITY — Thomas Edward "Tom" Panks, 75, of Traverse City, died Tuesday morning, Sept. 20, 2011, at his home, comforted by his loving family. Tom faced his recent battle with cancer as he lived his own life, with strength and dignity.Born June 14, 1936, in Flint, he was the son of the late Russel and Dorothy (Cronkright) Panks. On April 18, 1959, in New Lothrop, he married the love of his life, Viola M. "Vi" Henige.Tom answered the call of duty and served his country faithfully during the Korean War with United States Navy.A resident of Traverse City since 1972, Tom and his family moved here from the Saginaw Valley area. He had worked as a custom home builder for 27 years. In 1984, he established a new company specializing in architectural woodworking. Tom liked working with his hands and was a very creative woodworker.He was a long-time active member of St. Francis Catholic Church and a great supporter of the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools.Tom enjoyed family times foremost, followed by gardening, traveling and camping.Tom is survived by his loving and supportive family; wife, Viola M. Panks, of Traverse City; children, Russell (Rebecca) T. Panks, of Bonita Springs, Fla., Randall (Kristin) Panks, of Traverse City, Johanna (Scott) Carter, of Traverse City, and Mary Ellen (Matt) Holmes, of Chicago; 10 grandchildren, Amanda, Savanah, Cristina (Ryan), Adam, Abbigaile, Isabella, Dominic, Isaac and AnnaMaria; three great-grandchildren, Prince, Gianna and Presley; four sisters, Merilee Reiber, of Lowell, Angela (Guy) Adamec, of Goodrich, Yvonne (Kirk) Bowles, of Otisville, and Carol O/Brien, of Summerville, S.C.In addition to his parents, Tom was also preceded in death by a brother, Timothy Panks, and a sister, Christine Panks.The Panks family will receive friends at St. Francis Catholic Church today, Sept. 22, from 4 to 8 p.m. A Vigil service will be held at 7 p.m.A Funeral Mass will be offered at the church at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 23, with The Rev. Kenneth Stachnik serving as the celebrant. Following cremation, inurnment will take place at Oakwood Cemetery Catholic Diocesan Cemetery Columbarium.It is suggested that those who wish to further honor the memory of Tom may do so by making a contribution to the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools-Scholarship Fund. Envelopes may be obtained at church.Kindly share your memories with the family on their online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.Arrangements were made with Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.