William \"Bill\" Thomas
August 11, 1946 – February 10, 2023
Bill will be laid to rest at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in a graveside service with full military honors, to be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kalamazoo Rod and Gun Club, Promedica Hospice or Borgess Place, in c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 76, passed away late Friday night, February 10, 2023. Bill was born in Kalamazoo on August 11, 1946, the son of Harold James and LaNeta Belle (Lutz) Thomas. On June 2, 1966, he married the love of his life, Sharon who survives him. He graduated from Comstock High School in 1966, and attended technical schools which prepared him for a career in marine mechanics. Bill was a familiar face at several boating and sporting goods retailers including, Boat City, Schau & Powell, and Wilkinson’s. His last employer was Flowtech Corporation. Bill was a passionate outdoorsman and loved hunting, fishing and trap shooting. He was a life member and had served as President of the Kalamazoo Rod and Gun Club and was very active in the development of the club. He was also a member of Ducks Unlimited. Later in life, his 1972 Chevrolet Nova became his passion, and he spent hours restoring it, working on it and bringing it to shows. Bill was drafted by the U.S. Army, and served, but it was not until later when he realized how proud he was to do so. After returning from a tour in Viet Nam in 1969, he served in the U. S. Army Reserves until 1974. Besides his wife, Bill is survived by his sons, William “Bill” (Heather) Thomas Jr., Mark (Holly) Thomas and Chad (Jennifer) Thomas; grandchildren, Blake Thomas and Shawn Owen; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends; Bill was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Donald Perkins, Darold Perkins, Dixie Cox, Pat Key and Harold Thomas Jr.
Dear Bill, I was devastated to hear about your passing. You were always such a kind and funny person, and I’ll never forget the many conversations and laughs we shared over the years. You were like another dad and I always appreciated the advice you gave me. You had a great sense of humor that could always bring a smile to my face, no matter how tough the day had been. I admired how you could find humor even in the darkest of situations. I hope that you’re at peace now, and that the memories of our friendship bring you some comfort. You will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing you. Rest in peace, Bill. Sincerely, Melissa
I am so sad to hear of the passing of Bill. I had the pleasure of cutting his hair for over 40 years. I looked forward to seeing him come thru the door. He was a fierce loyal friend. He loved his sons more than life itself and his grandson was the apple of his eye. I heard many stories over the years about his sons. He always loved buying his grandson hotdogs. He so enjoyed Christmas shopping with his sons and then enjoying dinner out at a restaurant. Going hunting with his sons and then his grandson brought tears to his eyes when he would tell me about the times he went with them. Bill was a proud veteran. As his friend Melissa said during some of his darkest times deep down he was a gentle soul. I was honored to call him my friend. RIP my friend. I will miss you. You were the best! I hope you find comfort from all your hurts💔
So many memories…. From my very first trip to Yankee Springs, to breakfast a short time ago. You have been quite an influence on me. Your sense of humor, one liners, and straight up stubbornness was always an inspiration to me. Without question, you’re boys will continue to make you proud. Rest easy bud.