Chester Thomas' Obituary
Chester (Chet) Thomas, 83, passed away on January 14, 2025, at his residence in
Wildwood, Florida. Chester was born on February 26, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan to
his parents William Samuel Thomas and Eleanor June (Kraatz) Thomas.
Chet served in the United States Army for seven years, stationed in Germany for
much of his active-duty service. He was self-employed for most of his career as an
installer of aluminum siding and gutters (becoming known as “Tinman” by many).
While he loved being his own boss, he went to work at the Auto Alliance
Assembly Plant (Ford Motor Company) in Flat Rock, Michigan at the end of his
career to provide more stability for his family. Chet and his late wife Linda moved
to Wildwood, Florida 20 years ago from Canton, Michigan.
Chet was a skilled craftsman, meticulous about maintenance, who could build or
fix just about anything. He also loved friendly competition, winning more than his
share of “golf dollars” playing with friends and family at Deer Run Golf Course
near the family cottage on Lake LeAnn in Michigan, and he took great pride when
Tinman’s picks came out on top in the family football pool.
He is survived by loving daughters: Marci McCulloch (Ric) of Dexter, MI and
Julie Gundry (Ed) of Wake Forest, NC; a sister: Louise Miller (James) of
Southgate, MI; a brother: Samuel Thomas (Mickie) of Allen Park, MI; five
grandchildren: Jacob Gundry (Caitlin), Katie Gundry, Abby Gundry, Owen
McCulloch, and Stephen McCulloch; and many nieces and nephews.
Chester was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Linda, his brother,
William Thomas, and his sister-in-law Fran Thomas.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date in Michigan by the family.
In lieu of flowers, for those wishing to make a donation to honor Chet, please
consider the American Heart Association, www.heart.org.
Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line by visiting
www.bankspagetheus.com.
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