Mr. Orla "Tom" Thompson's Obituary
Mr. Orla “Tom” Thompson, age 84, passed away Sunday, July 23, 2006. He was born in Ravenna, MI on June 13, 1922 to Levi and Mary Ellen (Wilder) Thompson, and had lived most of his life in the Muskegon area. Mr. Thompson served on the U.S.S. Columbia during the South Pacific Campaign. The Columbia received two Navy unit commendations; a citation granted for distinguishing itself by outstanding heroism in action against the enemy. After serving in the Navy, he returned to the area and through the G.I. Bill of Rights became a construction contractor. He started and operated several businesses, including Thompson Home Improvement Specialties, which he operated for 25 years, and now his sons carry on the business. He attended Sheridan Drive Baptist Church, was a charter member of VFW Post #7729 and a member and past commander of the D.A.V. Wood/Tazalaar Post. Tom was a consummate entrepreneur; buying HUD-homes and turning them into rentals. He was an all around sportsman, particularly enjoying hunting and fishing. He enjoyed collecting antique bottles, especially bitters. Tom enjoyed listening to bluegrass music, especially Johnny Cash and Flatt and Scruggs. On June 14, 1944 in San Francisco, CA, he married the former Dorothy “Dot” Humbert and she survives him along with 3 children, David W. Thompson of Muskegon, Michael J. (Peggy) Thompson of Wolf Lake and Debra J. (Martin) Minnard of Paw Paw, MI; 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 1 brother, Jesse (Betty) Thompson of Yuma, AZ; 2 sisters, Grace Preston of Casnovia, MI and Hattie Holman of Mission, TX and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; 5 brothers, Leo, Ray, Gerald “Buck”, Melvin and Alfred Thompson; and 3 sisters, Ruth Boynes, Alverta Plumhoff and Delema Holman. SERVICES will be 11AM Thursday at Sheridan Drive Baptist Church (84 S. Sheridan Drive) with Rev. Stephen Rumley officiating. VISITATION will be 2-4PM and 6-8PM Wednesday at
Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc.
737 Apple Ave.
231-726-5210
and 10-11AM Thursday at church. INTERMENT will be in Egelston Township Cemetery. MEMORIALS in Tom’s name may be made to the Sheridan Drive Baptist Church. You may share memories with the family at their Online Guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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