Thomas “Skip” Franklin Broughton, age 75, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on October 29, 2023 from myelofibrosis. Tom was born in Detroit, MI, to Frank and Audrey Broughton and had a childhood filled with many outdoor adventures, developing a passion for hunting and fishing in Northern Michigan.
After graduating from Belleville High School, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served in the Vietnam War. While home on leave, Tom’s sister Kathy introduced him to his lifelong love, Roberta, and they were married on June 18, 1971 in Germany. Some of Tom’s most cherished memories were from their honeymoon as they traveled throughout Europe. After returning to Michigan, Tom settled in Chelsea, where he began Broughton Construction, taking great pride in helping families build and remodel quality homes throughout the area.
Tom and Roberta raised three daughters in the Chelsea home that Tom lovingly rebuilt. Tom was a true outdoorsman and loved to spend time hunting, taking any (and all) measures necessary to chase down the perfect buck each year. When not hunting, Tom could be found spending time with family and friends, cracking jokes to try to make someone laugh. Tom enjoyed breaking bread with family and friends and loved Roberta’s lasagna and banana cream pie, his mom’s breakfast, Ryan’s mac and cheese, Jim’s macaroni salad, and so many others. Every week Tom could loyally be found at the Chelsea Farmer’s Market, gathering ingredients for the next dish he was going to concoct.
Tom is survived by his dear wife of 52 years, Roberta, his peanut gallery daughters, Melanie (Alan) Steinhauser of Warren, Stephanie (Ryan Ely) Broughton of Belleville, and Alicia (Gary) Norman of Fort Wayne, IN; his loved grandchildren, Anna, Madeline and Meredith Steinhauser, and Grady Norman; and his mother, Audrey Broughton.
Tom is also survived by his siblings, Linda Broughton of Cape Coral, FL, Kathy DeCormier of Norton Shores, James (Peggy) Broughton of Whittemore, Deborah Broughton of Flushing, and Sharon Broughton of Belleville, along with many close nieces and nephews. Tom is preceded in death by his father, Frank Broughton, and his nephew, Steve Broughton.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 5, 2023, from 1-2 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, with a service at 2:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life at the Chelsea Depot will follow the service. The family is encouraging those that knew Tom to bring a memory or photo to share.
The family would like to thank the team at Hematology and Infusion at the Ann Arbor VA Hospital for providing the most excellent care and support.
In lieu of flowers or donations, the family is requesting that you please take time to share a good meal and laughter with your family and friends, as Tom loved to do.
Tom will always hold a place in our hearts.
